05/28/2026
Cold Weather Poses Greater Risk to Heart Health Than Heat.
While heat waves often come to mind when considering the impact of temperature on cardiovascular health, researchers report that 1 in 16 heart-related deaths are associated with cold exposure, compared to just 1 in 300 linked to heat. Experts point to the effects of low temperatures—particularly their ability to raise blood pressure and increase cardiac workload to maintain body heat—as key drivers of heart attack and stroke risk during colder weather.
American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, March 2026