Cardiologists across the country are reporting a sharp rise in cardiac emergencies as temperatures drop. Several clinical reviews show a 25–30 percent jump in heart attacks and strokes during winter. India already faces a heavy cardiac burden, with nearly one in four deaths connected to heart and blood vessel disease. Winter stress pushes risk even higher, especially for older adults and those living with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. cold weather significantly increases heart attack risk across India as chilly air constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, thickens blood (increasing clots), and makes the heart work harder, creating a "demand-supply mismatch" for oxygen, especially for those with pre-existing conditions
Dr. Hemant Khemani, Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Group of Hospitals in Mumbai, explains that cold air makes blood vessels tighten. When arteries narrow, blood pressure rises fast and the heart works harder to push blood through stiff vessels. Thick blood flow in low temperatures also supports clot formation, which can block supply to the heart. He adds that sudden shifts from warm indoor air to cold outdoor air place extra load on the heart, raising the chance of a sudden event in vulnerable individuals.
He further highlights that lifestyle patterns play a strong role in winter risk. People often cut movement, eat heavier food, and gain weight during this season. These habits raise LDL levels, strain blood sugar control, and increase blood pressure. Higher smoking and alcohol use during social gatherings can add more stress on the heart and weaken vessel health.
Dr. Khemani advises people to keep their chest, neck, and hands warm since exposed skin loses heat fastest. Warm layers help the body maintain steady temperature, which reduces sudden blood pressure spikes. He also recommends simple home-cooked meals with low salt and low saturated fat, short indoor walks after meals, and seven hours of sleep each night. Anyone with chest discomfort, breath loss, heavy fatigue, or sudden sweating should seek help without delay. Early care limits damage and improves survival.
As Mumbai moves deeper into winter, cardiologists urge the public to adopt early prevention, stay alert to symptoms, and continue regular health checks to stay safe through the colder months. Global health bodies describe a similar trend worldwide. The World Heart Federation notes that more than 20 million people die from heart-related causes each year, equal to one loss every one and a half seconds. The World Health Organization has listed heart disease as the leading cause of death for five straight years. These patterns show how seasonal changes amplify an already growing health challenge.
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