Risk of heart attack, stroke highest during winter

The likelihood of having a heart attack increases after a snowfall, according to Dr. Lesley James, director of health policy and systems for the Heart and Stroke foundation.

Speaking on Wake Up with Rob Snow, James said the risk of having a heart attack is increased in winter before you even start exerting yourself while shovelling heavy, wet snow.

“The cold weather that we experience in a lot of Canada right now actually increases our blood pressure, and that in turn raises your risk for heart disease and stroke,” said James.

But the cold weather is just one contributing factor to heart health.

Physical fitness, sleep, diet and alcohol consumption are all contributing factors, many of which change during the winter months.

Exercising a minimum of 150 minutes a week, eating well and making sure to get enough sleep can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

” If we're trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, drinking in moderation, being smoke free, being physically active all year round and eating well are very important,” said James. “These are really important to maintaining a good weight and keeping your heart physically in good shape. So that when you are going out to to shovel snow, you're in better condition.”

Listen to the full interview with Dr. Lesley James on Wake Up with Rob Snow below.