Cold days linked to higher heart attack risk

Cold weather could signal an increase in the number of people at risk of heart attacks, new research suggests.

A study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that a one degree C drop in temperature on a single day is associated with around 200 extra heart attacks.

This research was carried out by scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who analysed data on more than 84,000 hospital admissions for heart attack between 2003 and 2006.

The risk appears to be greatest for those between the ages of 75 and 84, and for those with existing heart disease.

Writing in the BMJ, the authors concluded: “Our study shows a convincing short-term increase in risk of myocardial infarction associated with lower ambient temperature, predominantly operating in the two weeks after exposure.”

In response to the study, the British Heart Foundation said that older people should stay warm this winter.

Senior cardiac nurse Ellen Mason pointed out that a nationwide drop in average temperature could equate to “a significant number of heart attacks” on a daily basis.