For people living with heart arrhythmia, the winter months can bring more than frosty temperatures – they can also trigger changes in your heart rhythm.

Factors like cold-induced blood vessel constriction, increased blood pressure, reduced physical activity, and heightened stress during the holiday season may all contribute to more frequent or severe arrhythmia episodes during the winter months. Seasonal illnesses like the flu and respiratory infections can also place extra strain on your heart, further impacting your rhythm stability.

With an extensive network of trusted cardiology providers, the TopLine MD Alliance is here to help navigate your heart health through every season and provide year-round arrhythmia support. This blog explores the connection between winter and worsening heart arrhythmias, offering insight into the physiological changes that occur in colder weather and how they can affect your heart function.

We’ll also provide practical strategies for managing your heart symptoms this winter, including when to contact your doctor, so you can maintain optimal heart health.

What are heart arrhythmias?

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that occurs when the electrical signals that tell your heart to beat are not working properly. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or be inconsistent. Heart arrhythmias often feel like a fluttering, pounding, or racing heartbeat.

Keep in mind, there are times when it’s okay to have a fast or slow heartbeat – for example, your heart may beat faster during exercise or slow down during sleep. Some heart arrhythmias are totally harmless, while others can cause life-threatening symptoms.

There are many different types of heart arrhythmias, including:

  • Tachycardia – A rapid heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute)
  • Bradycardia – A slow heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute)
  • Atrial fibrillation – An irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of your heart
  • Ventricular fibrillation – A life-threatening condition when your heart’s lower chambers quiver uncontrollably

Early detection and treatment of heart arrhythmias are important to prevent future complications like heart failure, stroke, or even sudden cardiac death. If you experience any symptoms of a heart arrhythmia, contact your TopLine MD Alliance Network cardiology provider right away.

Why do heart arrhythmias tend to worsen in the winter?

There’s no doubt that cold weather affects your heart rhythm, but there are many other reasons why heart arrhythmias are worse in the winter – some that are within your control and some that aren’t. For example:

  • Blood vessel constriction – To conserve body heat in cold weather, your blood vessels automatically narrow, increasing your blood pressure and making your heart work harder to circulate blood through the constricted vessels.
  • Reduced physical activity – Lack of sunshine and colder temperatures often dissuade people from exercising. A more sedentary lifestyle – even a temporary one – can weaken your heart and reduce blood circulation.
  • Heightened stress during the holiday season – The combination of overloaded schedules, less quality sleep, and more stress can increase your heart arrhythmia risk.
  • Dietary changes – Excessive drinking and heavy meals during holiday feasts can disrupt heart rhythms by overstimulating your vagus nerves, which carry signals between your brain, heart, and digestive system. Eating foods that are high in fats, carbohydrates, salt, and sugar can also raise your cholesterol levels, negatively impacting your heart health.
  • Seasonal illnesses – Winter illnesses like the flu, respiratory infections, and pneumonia put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition.
  • Increased blood clotting – Cold weather often causes an increase in blood clotting, which also puts extra strain on your heart.
  • Dehydration – Without sweating in warm temperatures, people tend to drink less water during the winter months. Dehydration can affect your heart’s ability to function properly.
  • Wood-burning fireplaces – Do you enjoy spending a cold winter’s day in front of a fire? Wood-burning fireplaces produce air pollution that can harm your heart and lungs, making your heart more susceptible to arrhythmias.

What signs indicate my heart arrhythmia is being affected by winter conditions?

Because cold weather increases your risk of more arrhythmia episodes and new symptoms, it’s important to be vigilant and watch for signs of a worsening heart arrhythmia in the winter. These signs include:

  • Heart palpitations – You may feel your heart fluttering, pounding, racing, or beating irregularly.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting – You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or actually lose consciousness.
  • Sweating – You may break out in a cold sweat.
  • Vomiting or nausea – You may vomit or feel sick to your stomach.
  • Shortness of breath – You may have difficulty breathing, which can be made worse by nasal congestion, respiratory infections, or other seasonal illnesses.
  • Weakness or fatigue – You may feel weaker or more tired than usual.
  • Chest pain or pressure – Chest pain or pressure is a serious sign of arrhythmia and requires immediate medical attention, so seek emergency care right away.

How can I protect my heart from cold-weather arrhythmias?

There are many things that you can do to protect your heart health and prevent arrhythmia during the winter months:

  • Dress warmly – Wearing layers helps trap your body heat, so you stay warm and comfortable. Protect your extremities with a hat, gloves, and scarf to maintain your body temperature and reduce the strain on your heart caused by cold weather.
  • Limit your time in the cold – Avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures by coming inside often to warm up.
  • Exercise indoors during the winter – Opt for indoor exercise options (such as a treadmill) to keep your heart strong without the negative effects of cold air.
  • Eat healthy over the holidays – Avoid overeating or consuming foods that are high in fats, carbohydrates, salt, or sugar, since they can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your heart disease risk.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation – Alcohol is known to cause temporary or even permanent irregular heartbeats.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to prevent dehydration, which can thicken your blood and increase your risk of clotting.
  • Manage stress – Since stress can exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation during stressful times.
  • Get an annual flu shot – Respiratory infections like the flu can strain your cardiovascular system, so getting vaccinated every year is essential for your heart health.
  • Monitor your heart health – Keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, and any symptoms of heart arrhythmia or other heart health issues, so you can inform your TopLine MD Network cardiology provider.
  • Create a heart health plan – A heart health plan is a personalized, proactive plan designed to help you prevent or manage heart disease, including heart arrhythmias, through lifestyle changes and consistent medical check-ups. Ask your TopLine MD Alliance Network cardiology provider to learn more.

When should I contact my doctor about arrhythmia symptoms in winter?

You should contact your TopLine MD Alliance Network cardiology provider if you have any heart arrhythmia symptoms that are new, change, or worsen this winter, especially during or after cold exposure. Cold weather can make pre-existing heart conditions more noticeable or dangerous.

For severe or persistent heart arrhythmia symptoms, seek emergency care – especially if they are accompanied by one or more of the following:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Cold sweat
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness

Make an appointment with your TopLine MD Alliance Network cardiology provider if you experience any of these symptoms as well, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions:

  • Frequent or prolonged heart palpitations that last more than a few minutes
  • A fast heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute) when you are at rest
  • A slow heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute)
  • Weakness or fatigue despite low levels of activity
  • Sleep disturbances or other quality-of-life issues

Our goal is to provide the information, support, and care you need to reduce your heart arrhythmia triggers and enjoy optimal heart health – not just during the winter months, but all year long.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance Network cardiology provider today

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients and simplify the complex healthcare system. We help patients navigate this system every day, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

The TopLine MD Alliance brings together high-quality care and exceptional service while ensuring that you are always satisfied with your choice of medical providers. In addition to cardiology, our specialties include primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, allergy and immunology, infectious disease, sleep medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, and many more.

To get started, find a provider near you today.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the physicians or practice groups in the network.