I have heard that people with heart problems need to be extra cautious during the winter because heart attacks are much more common during that time. What can you tell me about this?

Winter is not only cold and flu season, but also the peak time for heart attacks. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those with a history of heart attacks are particularly susceptible. Here is what you should know along with some tips to help you protect yourself.

In the U.S., the risk of experiencing a heart attack during the winter months is double than what it is during the summertime. The increase is influenced by a number of factors, and they are not all linked to cold weather. Even people who live in warm climates have an increased risk. Here are the areas you need to pay extra attention to this winter.

Cold temperatures: When a person gets cold, the body responds by constricting the blood vessels to help the body maintain heat. This causes blood pressure to rise and makes the heart work harder. Cold temperatures can also increase levels of certain proteins that can thicken the blood and increase the risk for blood clots. To stay warm this winter, bundle up in layers, including gloves and a hat, and use a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up the air before you breathe in.

Snow shoveling: Studies have shown that heart attack rates jump dramatically in the first few days after a major snowstorm, usually as a result of snow shoveling. Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity that raises blood pressure and stresses the heart. Combine those factors with cold temperatures and the risks for heart attack surges. If your sidewalk or driveway needs shoveling this winter, hire a professional or someone from the neighborhood to do it for you. Snow blowers are also a great alternative. However, if you must shovel, push rather than lift the snow as much as possible, stay warm and take frequent breaks.

New Year’s resolutions: Every January 1, millions of people join gyms or start exercise programs as part of their New Year’s resolution to get in shape, and many overexert themselves too soon. If you are starting a new exercise program this winter, take the time to talk to your doctor about what types and how much exercise may be appropriate for you.

Winter weight gain: During the holiday season and winter months, it is common to indulge in food and drinks, which can put extra strain on the heart, especially for someone with a heart condition. Keep a watchful eye on your diet this winter and moderate any intake of high-fat foods and alcohol.

Shorter days: Less daylight in the winter months can cause many people to develop “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD), a wintertime depression that can stress the heart. Studies have also looked at heart attack patients and found they usually have lower levels of vitamin D (which comes from sunlight) than people with healthy hearts. To boost your vitamin D this winter, talk to your healthcare practitioner to see if taking a supplement that contains between 1,000 and 2,000 international units (IU) per day is right for you.

Flu season: Studies show that people who get flu shots have a lower heart attack risk. It is known that the inflammatory reaction set off by a flu infection can increase blood clotting which can lead to heart attacks in vulnerable people. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a flu shot, a COVID-19 booster or vaccines for RSV and pneumococcal pneumonia to help protect your health this winter.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.