Cold weather poses a greater risk to heart health than heat

While heat waves frequently dominate headlines, cold weather poses a much greater, consistent threat to cardiovascular health.

The body experiences a "fight-or-flight" stress response when exposed to the cold.

To preserve core heat, vessels undergo vasoconstriction, which raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder.

Additionally, cold can thicken blood, increasing the risk of clots that lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Vulnerable individuals, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, face higher risks, especially during strenuous activities like shoveling snow.

Winter behavioral factors, such as reduced exercise or increased respiratory infections, further exacerbate these dangers.