Why Heart Attacks
Peak in the Winter

The winter months have proven to be a risky time for heart attacks.  Studys show that people are more likely to die of heart-related causes during the holidays more than any other time of year.  Researchers found that heart-attacks spiked between December 25 and January 7.

Common theory for the increase in deaths had to do with several factors.  One was that during the holidays people commonly delay seeking treatment for symptoms during this busy time of year.  Other possible explainations include emotional stress, tendency to eat more and drink more alcohol and exercise and take medication less.  Cold weather, more infections, and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) have also been cited as contributing factors.

Heart attacks usually occur in people with a build-up of plaque in their arteries.  A sudden event may cause the plaque to crack and rupture, causing the blood platelets to get sticky and form a clot in the artery.  In cold weather, blood platelets appear to be more active and stickier and therefore more likely to clot.  Some studies have shown that levels of cholesterol, which contributes to plaque, rises during the winter.

The heart may work harder in the cold weather because blood vessels constrict to help maintain body heat. That is one reason people need to be cautious when exerting themselves when shoveling snow if they are not in good physical condition.  Shoveling snow in the morning may be the most risky because that is when most heart attacks occur.  It is believed that people higher levels of stress hormones at that time of day.

Influenza and other respiratory disease in winter may also play a role in instigating heart attacks because infectious causes inflammation, which causes plaque to be less stable and contribute to heart attacks. 

Lastly, depression is more prevalent in the winter.  Lack of exposure to the sunlight during winter months can cause seasonal affective disorder.  Studies have indicated that people with depression are more susceptible to heart attacks.

What to do to minimize your risk

Keep your heart healthy by the following, especially during the holiday season.

• Know and manage your blood pressure

• Seek a health professional if you are feeling down

• Get enough sleep and get help for sleep problems

• Take your medication as recommended

• Do not postpone doctors’ visits

• Skip the mall on hectic final shopping days

• Eat healthy and keep portion sizes down

• Help prevent infection by practicing good handwashing

• Don’t ignore symptoms if you are feeling unwell

Information taken from Healthology website. www.healthology.com