While the cold winter air may bring a sense of calm to your face, this season often brings hidden dangers for your heart. As temperatures drop, the body's blood vessels constrict, blood pressure rises, and the heart has to work much harder than usual.
This is why many people experience symptoms during this season that are often dismissed as fatigue, the effects of the cold, or everyday stress. However, these signs could be early warning signals of a major heart problem. Let's learn about six such symptoms from Dr. Amit Pendharkar (Director and Unit Head - Interventional Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka).
Unusual discomfort or heaviness in the chest
Chest pain isn't always sharp or sudden. Many people experience it as a feeling of heaviness, burning, pressure, or tightness. These symptoms can be more pronounced in winter due to reduced oxygen supply and increased blood pressure. If you experience discomfort in your chest while walking in the cold or climbing stairs, and it subsides with rest, don't take it lightly.
Difficulty breathing
It's normal to experience some shortness of breath while climbing stairs or walking briskly, but if this is a new problem, is progressively worsening, or feels excessive, it could be a sign of increased strain on the heart. In cold weather, arteries constrict, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. This symptom is often mistaken for allergies or asthma, but heart-related shortness of breath tends to increase suddenly and is more noticeable after exertion, after eating, or when lying down.
Sudden fatigue or weakness
Feeling a little sluggish in winter is normal, but if even minor activities leave you exhausted, it could be a warning sign. This weakness occurs when the body doesn't receive enough blood. People often attribute this to stress or lack of sleep, but it can also be an early sign of heart failure. It's especially important to pay attention to sudden increases in fatigue during the winter months. Swelling in the feet or ankles
When the heart is unable to pump at full capacity, fluid starts to accumulate in the body. Drinking less water and being less active in winter can exacerbate this swelling. Tight-fitting shoes, deep sock marks, or puffiness around the ankles – all of these can be signs of a heart problem.
Irregular heartbeat
Some people feel that their heart is beating very fast or skipping beats. Cold temperatures can trigger irregular heartbeats in people who already have heart disease, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances. Caffeine, stress, and some winter medications (such as decongestants) can worsen this. If you experience unusual heartbeats even while resting, get it checked.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dizziness in winter is sometimes caused by dehydration, but it can also be a sign of reduced blood supply to the brain. This may be related to blocked arteries, weak heart pumping, or a heart rhythm disorder. If this symptom appears frequently or is accompanied by sweating or chest discomfort, do not ignore it.
The burden on the heart naturally increases in winter, so paying attention to these signs is crucial. By recognizing these symptoms in time, you can maintain better heart health and avoid serious problems.
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