With cool winds, the winter season brings with it several ailments. During the cold weather, chest discomfort is a common occurrence, which often results from several factors and medical conditions, mostly harmless. But what if we told you it could also be a sign of heart attack?
Many experts and researchers have associated winter with an uptick in heart attack cases. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Subrat Akhoury, Director-Cath Lab and Interventional Cardiologist and Head, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explains why that is the case and whether or not chest pain alone is a good indicator.
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Winter Heart Attack
A heart attack, also referred to as myocardial infarction, occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. When the blood flow isn't restored for a long period of time, it can lead to heart muscle damage, causing a heart attack.
Of an estimated 1.79 crore deaths from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) in 2019, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke, says the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to a report shared by the American Heart Association (AHA), the winter holiday season contributes to more heart attack deaths than any other time of the year. Citing a study published in the Journal Circulation, the AHA reported that more cardiac deaths occur on December 25 than on any other day of the year; the second largest number of cardiac deaths occurs on December 26, and the third largest number occurs on January 1.
Why Heart Attacks Become More Prevalent During Winter
Dr Akhoury says, “This [winter heart attack] isn't mere folklore – empirical studies have revealed a conspicuous uptick in heart attacks during the winter period.”
Although the precise cause of this seasonal upswing remains somewhat unclear, several factors can contribute to an increased incidence of heart attacks in colder climates. These include:
- Vasoconstriction, which causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby raising blood pressure and subjecting the heart to additional stress
- The winter season is frequently associated with holiday-related stress, financial burdens, and emotional stressors, increasing the risk for heart attacks.
- Diminished physical activity during the winter months can also potentially result in weight gain and poor cardiovascular fitness.
Chest Pain During Winters Could Mean Many Things
While a chest pain can be a symptom of heart attack, it is also a sign of several other conditions, including:
Acid reflux or heartburn, which may induce a burning sensation in the chest, mimicking symptoms similar to a heart attack
Infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can lead to chest pain due to lung inflammation
In order to distinguish a heart attack from a normal chest pain, it is important to look at the other symptoms and specific distinguishing features. In case of a heart attack, you may also experience:
- Excruciating chest pain, often radiating to the left arm, neck, or jaw
- Breathlessness, coupled with sensations of chest tightness or fullness
- Perspiration and heart palpitations
Immediate Steps To Take In The Event Of A Heart Attack
If you or someone you know is having a heart attack, here are a few measures to take:
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away
- Call an ambulance immediately
- Ingest an aspirin, if available and if no allergy exists; this is said to thwart further blood clot formation, says Dr Akhoury.
- Recline and strive to maintain a composed demeanour, the doctor adds
CPR is the best way to improve chances of survival in a heart attack patient. The AHA reports that survival rates can increase to 40% or higher when bystander CPR is performed immediately.
