Written by:
Courtney Battaglia
December 15, 2025
Winter Heart Health: Protecting Yourself in the Cold
Cold weather can affect more than just your comfort—it can also stress your heart and blood vessels. For people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of blood clots, winter brings unique risks that are easy to overlook. From brisk morning walks to shoveling snow, even simple activities can make your heart work harder than usual.
Understanding how your body responds to cold temperatures can help you stay safe, recognize warning signs early, and protect your heart all season long.
The Effects of Cold Weather on Your Heart and Blood Vessels
Your body temperature needs to stay at around 98.6°F for your cells and vital organs to function properly. When you’re exposed to colder temperatures, your body tries to hold onto that warmth by activating the part of your nervous system that controls automatic responses, like tightening blood vessels. This reaction causes the blood vessels in your skin and muscles to tighten and become more narrow (vasoconstriction).
When your blood vessels tighten, it becomes harder for blood to flow. Blood pressure rises, and your heart has to work harder to push blood through those smaller pathways. For people with heart disease or high blood pressure, that added strain can trigger symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Over time, or during sudden temperature drops, these changes can place extra stress on the heart.
Why Winter Activities Can Be Risky
When shoveling snow, pushing a heavy load, or even walking briskly in cold air, your heart works harder because your body needs more oxygen during physical activity. At the same time, the cold signals your body to pull blood away from the surface to hold onto warmth.
With less oxygen available but increased demand, the heart can become overwhelmed, which can raise the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular event—especially in people who aren’t used to regular exercise or have a family history of heart disease.
Studies show that heart-related hospitalizations often rise after snowstorms, when sudden, strenuous activity in the cold sharply raises heart rate and blood pressure. Even healthy individuals can experience strain if they go from being inactive indoors to doing intense activity outdoors.
Who’s Most at Risk in Winter
Cold weather can increase cardiovascular strain for anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. You may face higher risk if you:
Have coronary artery disease
Have a history of smoking
Are older or less physically active
Live with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity
Smart Ways to Protect Your Heart This Winter
Layer your clothing
Layer according to the weather and your activity. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer, and top with a wind- or water-resistant jacket if needed.Protect your hands, feet, and head
Wear warm socks, a hat, and gloves or mittens. Avoid petroleum-based products on exposed skin—they don’t prevent frostbite.Stay dry
Wet clothing pulls heat from your body faster. Change out of damp socks, gloves, or layers right away.Warm up before activity
Move for a few minutes indoors to prepare your heart and muscles for the cold.Avoid sudden, intense activity
Start slowly if you’ve been inactive. Cold weather can raise your heart rate and blood pressure quickly.Stay hydrated and nourished
You may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, but your body still loses fluid. Drink water and eat balanced snacks to keep energy up.
When in Doubt, Listen to Your Body
You can stay active in cold weather—just be mindful of your limits. If you notice chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, stop what you’re doing and call 911 right away. Quick action can make all the difference.
Staying active year-round is a great way to protect your heart and circulation. With a little planning like warming up, dressing for the conditions, and pacing your activity, you can protect your heart all winter long.
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Understanding Medication Interactions Around the Holidays
The holidays often bring more than festive gatherings—they also bring colds, flu, and the temptation to mix over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, supplements, or alcohol with your regular prescriptions. If you take blood thinners, blood pressure medicine, or other heart medications, certain combinations can cause problems. There are many possible interactions, but here are some of the most common ones to be aware of during the holidays.
Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Cold and Flu Meds
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are common in cold and sinus medicines. If you take medications like lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, or amlodipine, decongestants can make blood pressure harder to control or trigger headaches, palpitations, or chest discomfort. Always check the label, since most OTC cold and flu medicines warn those with heart conditions to talk with a clinician before use.
Pain relievers can also interact with prescription medicines. Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®), also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis®), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto®). They can also interfere with blood-pressure-lowering medicines by causing your body to retain salt and fluid. Many cold products also contain acetaminophen (Tylenol®), which can increase bleeding risk in high doses.
Supplements and Herbal Remedies
Many people reach for supplements during cold and flu season, hoping to “boost” their immune system or recover faster—but some of these products can also interfere with heart medicines.
Ginseng, often marketed for immune support or energy, can interfere with warfarin and possibly other blood thinners. Evidence of interactions with blood pressure or heart medicines is limited, but caution is still advised when taking it with prescription drugs.
Garlic and turmeric, commonly used for “immune health” or inflammation, can also increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban. Even “natural” products can have strong effects and may vary widely between brands since they're not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always talk with your pharmacist or clinician before starting anything new, especially during cold and flu season.
Want a full list of supplements that can affect blood thinners?
Explore our easy-to-read guide here.
Alcohol and Medication Safety
Holiday gatherings often include wine, beer, or cocktails, but alcohol can interact with many heart and blood-thinning medications. These interactions can change how drugs work, worsen side effects, and increase cardiovascular risks.
If you take warfarin, alcohol can affect how well it works. Heavy or binge drinking can make warfarin work too strongly and increase the chance of serious bleeding, while frequent long-term drinking can make it less effective and increase your risk of a clot.
While alcohol doesn’t directly interact with direct oral anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban, it can still increase bleeding risk since both alcohol and blood thinners make it harder for your blood to clot.
Some heart medications can also intensify alcohol’s effects. Beta-blockers like metoprolol may cause dizziness, low blood pressure, or a slow heart rate when combined with alcohol. Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil can worsen these symptoms and slow how your body breaks down alcohol, making the effects stronger and longer-lasting.
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Did You Know?
Alcohol and Fall Risk
Alcohol increases the risk of falls—a serious concern for anyone taking blood thinners. Even a minor fall can cause bruising or internal bleeding, so it's safest to limit alcohol and stand up slowly after drinking.
Holiday Heart Syndrome
Drinking too much at once, especially during celebrations, can also affect how your heart beats. Holiday heart syndrome occurs when heavy drinking triggers an irregular rhythm—often atrial fibrillation, a fast or fluttering heartbeat. It can happen even in people without existing heart problems.
The rhythm usually returns to normal once alcohol leaves your system, but if you notice chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, seek medical care right away.
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Your First 12 Weeks After a Blood Clot: Guidance, Support, and Answers
Life after a blood clot can bring more questions than answers. VLN’s email series for people newly diagnosed with a blood clot helps you understand your diagnosis, treatment, and next steps.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll receive a series of short, helpful emails that walk you through topics like:
Understanding your medication and follow-up care plan
Managing symptoms and recognizing warning signs
Recovering emotionally and rebuilding confidence
Each message includes checklists, videos, and real patient stories—giving you trusted education and reassurance when you need it most.
Start your recovery journey today.
Sign up now HERE!
Know someone who’s just had a blood clot?
Share the signup link so they can get clear, steady support during their first weeks of recovery.
A Heart-Healthy Holiday Dessert
If you're a long-time reader of The Beat, you may remember that the VLN staff selects a holiday recipe to share every December.
This year, we’re excited to feature a Frozen Yogurt Bark from the American Heart Association, which swaps heavy cream and refined sugar for protein-rich Greek yogurt, fruit, and nuts. It’s creamy, colorful, and refreshing—perfect for when you want a treat that still feels indulgent.
Each bite delivers a mix of calcium, antioxidants, and heart-friendly fats, making it a simple but smart dessert to share or snack on after a big meal.
Ingredients | Servings 8
1 ½ cups fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey or
pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons chopped
unsalted almonds
½ cup finely chopped mango
½ cup blueberries
¹/4 cup blackberries or
raspberries, chopped if large
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt and honey until combined.
Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Using a spatula or knife, spread the yogurt mixture over the paper as thinly as possible.
Sprinkle the almonds over the yogurt mixture. Using your fingertips, gently press the almonds into the yogurt mixture.
Sprinkle the mango, blueberries, and raspberries on top. Using your fingertips, gently press the fruit into the yogurt mixture.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze overnight.
At serving time, remove the baking dish from the freezer.
Gently lift the parchment paper from the dish and transfer to a cutting board.
Using your hands, break the bark into pieces (or you may need to hit it lightly on the surface of the cutting board).
It's best to eat the bark immediately. It begins to melt 15 minutes after being removed from the freezer.
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Upcoming Patient Events
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Blood Clot Support Group (Monthly)
Hosted by Joelle Hochman, RRT, Chair of Patient Engagement & Education
After experiencing a blood clot, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Many people are left feeling confused about why this happened to them and are anxious about it happening again.
We’re pleased to offer a support group experience where patients can share their stories, connect with others who’ve had blood clots, and receive emotional support.
Long-PE and CTEPH Support Group (Every other month)
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This group provides a safe space to connect with others, receive support, and learn more about managing life after PE.
Ask the Expert (Quarterly)
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