Winter’s Chill: Protecting Your Heart Health

Few people like shoveling snow, but did you know it can trigger a heart attack? In fact, winter cold and physical exertion place extra strain on the heart, making these months particularly risky. From constricted blood vessels to increased blood pressure and heart workload, cold weather brings unique challenges to maintaining cardiac health. That’s why it’s important to understand the impact of cold weather on heart health and take care of ourselves and our loved ones during winter. Let’s dig into the evidence.

The link between winter and heart attacks is well-documented. According to the American Heart Association, more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. Data from a long-running British Medical Journal study revealed a 15% increase in heart attacks during the winter holidays. On Christmas Eve alone, heart attacks spike by 37%, particularly among individuals over 75 and those with diabetes or preexisting cardiovascular conditions.

Winter also exacerbates respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19, which pose additional dangers for those with cardiac complications. In fact, UCLA Health highlights that the flu can make you six times more likely to have a heart attack. These combined risks underscore the importance of vigilance during colder months.

Technology is transforming healthcare, providing tools that make a real difference in keeping at-risk individuals safer. Cardiac RMS (Remote Monitoring System) by DocGo is one such innovation, offering peace of mind for people with heart conditions. This system pairs cutting-edge technology with expert clinical care to improve heart health and streamline care processes. Cardiac RMS uses advanced remote monitoring tools to keep a close watch on heart health, including:

• Monitoring implanted cardiac devices
• Helping patients manage long-term heart conditions via chronic care management
• Using external devices to track heart health remotely

These programs are especially important during winter when heart-related risks tend to rise. By keeping an eye on a patient’s heart around the clock, Cardiac RMS can step in with quick advice or treatment when it’s needed most, reducing the need for emergency care.

How Cardiac RMS Protects Heart Health:

• Real-time monitoring: Alerts healthcare providers to early signs of trouble.
• Comprehensive care management: Supports both physical and mental health.
• Escalation pathways: Connects patients with cardiologists or primary care providers when needed.
• Patient empowerment: Encourages proactive engagement with heart health.

“Winter’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but our remote care programs give patients the tools, education, and reassurance to stay healthy. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares makes a difference.” – Tamara Bazar, Founder and Managing Partner of Cardiac RMS.

Remote consultations and engagement programs ensure patients can access care—even when weather conditions make travel difficult. Cardiac RMS specialists build meaningful relationships with patients, helping them feel supported and stay on track with their health goals.

One Cardiac RMS patient shared, “I would like to say thank you very much for the things that you do. You actually feel like family, and I can genuinely tell that you care.”

For those 65 or older or with a history of heart problems, winter requires special precautions:

• Dress warmly and in layers to avoid cold stress.
• Avoid strenuous activities like shoveling snow.
• Stay hydrated, even when it’s cold.
• Watch for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.
• Regularly check in with at-risk loved ones.

Winter can be tough on the heart, but by staying informed, adopting healthy habits, and using innovative solutions like Cardiac RMS by DocGo, you can face the season with confidence. To learn more about how DocGo’s services can support your heart health this winter, visit Cardiac RMS.