Cold weather linked to increased heart attack risk, study finds

CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Local doctors are issuing a crucial warning about the dangers of cold temperatures on heart health. Cardiologists have been cautioning the public about the risks associated with cold weather activities, such as snow shoveling, which can be particularly hazardous for heart patients.

“Shoveling snow can be very dangerous for our heart patients,” said Dr. Puvi Seshiah, an interventional cardiologist at Christ Hospital. “It increases heart attacks, and we’ve had patients die suddenly while clearing the snow.”

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) reveals that the danger of cold weather extends beyond physical exertion. The research indicates that short-term exposure to lower air temperatures and cold spells is linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction. The most significant effect is observed two to six days after the cold exposure.

Researchers compared temperature changes with hospital admissions for heart attacks and found a clear correlation. Dr. Seshiah noted that this may contribute to a seasonal shift often seen with heart events.

“We do see an uptick in heart events in the cold season,” said Dr. Seshiah. “We can’t necessarily pinpoint why, but it may be a little bit of over-indulgence, food, could be infections, flu, COVID. All this does increase heart attack risk, heart failure risk, and just not going out and getting the exercise you need may be what increases the risk of heart disease.”

The key, according to experts, is to address heart concerns at the early onset of any symptoms.

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