Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Cold Wave Increases Brain Stroke Risk
When it gets very cold, our bodies work harder to stay warm.
This can make blood vessels narrower and blood thicker, which can be dangerous for people with heart or blood pressure problems.
Cold weather can also make the heart work harder, which can lead to strokes.
Older people and those with health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk.
To stay safe, it's important to keep warm, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid being outside in the early morning when it's very cold.
If you feel any unusual symptoms like weakness, confusion, or severe headaches, you should seek help right away.
Cold weather increases the risk of brain strokes, especially for people with heart and blood pressure issues.
A study in the Journal Epidemiology suggests that even a moderate decrease in temperature can raise the risk of ischemic stroke.
Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and the risk of clot formation.
High-risk groups include older adults, people with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and those living in poorly heated homes.
Preventive measures include maintaining stable indoor temperatures, dressing in layers, avoiding early morning walks, monitoring blood pressure, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle indoor exercises.
- Who
- People with heart and blood pressure issues, older adults, and those with existing cardiovascular conditions are most at risk.
- What
- Cold weather increases the risk of brain strokes due to physiological stresses on the body.
- When
- During cold waves and intense winters.
- Where
- Across North and Central India, and other regions experiencing cold weather.
- Why
- Cold weather causes blood vessel constriction, increased blood pressure, thicker blood, and higher clot risk, which can lead to strokes.
- High-Risk Groups
- Older adults, people with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, previous stroke or TIA, smokers, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, or those living alone or in poorly heated homes
- Physiological Effects of Cold
- Blood vessel constriction, increased blood pressure, thicker blood, reduced oxygen delivery, and higher clot risk
- Preventive Measures
- Maintain stable indoor temperatures, dress in layers, avoid early morning walks, monitor blood pressure, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle indoor exercises
- Stroke Warning Signs
- Face drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty, sudden confusion, severe headache, loss of balance, blurred or double vision, sudden vomiting with high BP, chest discomfort
- Study Findings
- Moderate decrease in temperature raises the risk of ischemic stroke, as per a study in the Journal Epidemiology