RALEIGH, N.C. — Doctors say the winter can lead to more health challenges — they tend to see a higher risk of heart attacks this time of year.

What You Need To Know

  • Winter can bring more health challenges, doctors say
  • Duke Health cardiologist Dr. Nishant Shah says multiple factors contribute to higher risk of heart attacks  
  • Cold weather can make blood vessels smaller, especially those around the heart, and people tend to put their bodies under stress more 

Dr. Nishant Shah, a cardiologist with Duke Health, says cold weather can make blood vessels smaller, especially those around the heart.

“Another thing we tend to see a lot is people tend to put their bodies under stress a lot more, especially if they live in an area where they are shoveling snow a lot,” he said.

Shah says depression during the winter can also affect the heart.

“People also tend to not exercise this time of year,” he said.

Shah urges his patients to listen to their bodies and to keep to their routines.

“If you develop chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue, get some help," Shah said.