More deadly heart attacks in winter

In winter, cardiovascular deaths increase

07.11.2012

In winter, the risk of a fatal heart attack is significantly higher than during the rest of the year, regardless of the climate actually exists. This is reported by US researchers Bryan Schwartz from the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles at the annual meeting of the "American Heart Association".

In a comprehensive study, the scientists evaluated the death certificates with data from seven US sites in different climates (Los Angeles County, California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts). Schwartz and colleagues found that in winter the number of cardiovascular-associated deaths is generally increasing, both in the warm southern states and in the cold north. „This was surprising because so far the climate was considered the primary determinant of seasonal variations in mortality rates“, Explained study leader Bryan Schwartz.

In winter, the number of circulatory deaths increases regardless of the climate
According to the results of the US researchers, the number of circulatory deaths in all climates during the winter months increased on average by 26 percent to 36 percent compared to summer. It included deaths from myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and strokes. The „Seasonal patterns of cardiac deaths were very similar among the seven different climate patterns“, write Schwartz and colleagues. While the increased circulatory deaths in winter have so far mostly been attributed to the climate, new explanations are now needed in view of the results of the US scientists. Although it is still likely that low temperatures in winter favor vasoconstriction and hypertension, but other factors have obviously much more influence, the US scientists report.

In winter, people live unhealthier
„As a rule, people do not live as healthy in winter as in summer“, which may also explain the increased cardiovascular deaths in the winter months, study director Bryan Schwartz. Physical inactivity and unhealthy diets are more common in winter and potential cause of cardiac deaths. Furthermore, however, cold is considered an additional burden factor in existing heart disease (for example, coronary heart disease). Affected suffer more in the cold under chest pain, heart pain and an unpleasant stinging in the chest. The pressure and tightness of angina pectoris can also increase in the cold. In the worst case, a heart attack threatens.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death
In general, the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease should not be underestimated - no matter what the season. For in Germany, according to the Federal Ministry of Research, almost half of the annual deaths are due to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac-related deaths are therefore the leading cause of death in Germany. German physicians certainly see a connection between the cold in winter and an increased risk of death for cardiovascular patients. As Wolfgang Franz from the University Hospital Munich explained in the light of the current study results to the news agency „dpa“, you have „It has also been proven that cold is a major stress factor for cardiovascular patients.“

Health risk due to physical stress in winter
Physical exertion during the cold winter months therefore carries a risk that should not be underestimated. „If you shovel snow outside in winter, it will boost your blood pressure and the low temperatures will lead to vasoconstriction. Since the heart attack is inevitable“, explained the Munich cardiologist. For their part, the US scientists at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association advised them to pay particular attention in the winter to maintaining healthy behaviors and nutrition in order to minimize the risk of a fatal cardiac event. (Fp)

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