Arteries naturally constrict in winter and can cause high BP, heart attack: 5 things to do to stay safe

When the temperature drops, the body uses a clever survival trick: it narrows its blood vessels to conserve heat, as per a 2019 study . That natural response sounds harmless, but inside the arteries, it can raise blood pressure and increase the risk for heart trouble in older people, those with high BP and underlying heart condition, As the cold hits and arteries tighten, the heart must pump harder to push blood through narrower passages. This extra load can pinch off that safe “normal” circulation and create strain. In winter, factors like less daylight, fewer outdoor steps and warmer (often heavier) meals tend to add to the mix, and for those already managing high blood pressure or heart conditions, this season brings a hidden danger. Understanding how and why arteries behave this wa