Healthcare professionals have noticed a concerning pattern; the likelihood of a stroke in winter is higher than the rest of the year. This means the colder months bring concern for anyone with a history of stroke, cardiac conditions, taking blood thinners, or who thinks they might have a higher risk factor for stroke. By looking at the relationship between stroke incidence and cold temperatures, we can better protect ourselves from this silent killer. Here’s everything you need to know about the risk of stroke in winter.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is disrupted suddenly. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen, causing brain cells to die within minutes. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability.
There are two main types of stroke in winter months: ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Ischaemic strokes occur when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, and accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. Haemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue; those less common, they are deadlier due to the combined damage caused by blood loss and from the added pressure of blood in the brain.
What Can Cause a Stroke?
The cause of stroke affects the stroke type. Ischaemic strokes are caused by blood clots blocking blood vessels. Blood clots can form due to damaged blood vessels, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats. Haemorrhagic strokes occur due to high blood pressure, weakened or malformed blood vessels, and some medications like blood thinners.
Recognising Stroke Symptoms and Signs of Stroke in Winter
A stroke in winter will not always announce itself dramatically. The signs and symptoms of a stroke are subtle and can be easy to dismiss, but when you can recognise the signs, you have the best chance of minimising brain damage.
Facial Drooping or Weakness
One of the most recognisable signs of a stroke is sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face. The affected side may feel numb or completely unresponsive. This facial asymmetry can appear suddenly and is a clear warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Arm or Limb Weakness
Sudden weakness, numbness, or the inability to move an arm or leg is another hallmark stroke symptom. The affected limb may feel heavy, tingly, or completely unresponsive. When asked to raise both arms, someone having a stroke may find that one arm drifts downward involuntarily or cannot be lifted at all. The weakness typically affects the arm and leg on the same side.
Speech Difficulties
Some people exhibit slurred speech, as if they’re intoxicated. Others may struggle to find the right words or speak in confused, nonsensical sentences. A simple test is to ask the person to repeat a basic sentence like “The sky is blue.” If they cannot repeat it correctly, slur their words significantly, or cannot understand the request, this can indicate a stroke.
Vision Problems
Vision problems can include blurred vision in one or both eyes, double vision, or partial or complete loss of vision. These changes appear suddenly and are typically painless.
Severe Headache
Caused by a ruptured blood vessel and often described as “the worst headache of my life” with an intensity that comes on rapidly and severely, these headaches are more commonly associated with haemorrhagic strokes than ischemic strokes. Headaches as a symptom of stroke are often accompanied by other symptoms, particularly nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity.
Dizziness and Loss of Balance
Sudden, severe dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking can indicate a stroke. People experiencing this symptom may feel like the room is spinning, have trouble standing or walking in a straight line, experience a sudden loss of coordination, stumble, fall, or feel unable to control their movements. This differs from general light-headedness by its sudden onset and severity.
Changes in Blood Pressure
You can’t feel changes in your blood pressure, but this comes with its own symptoms you can recognise. Sudden headaches, confusion, dizziness, or blurred, double, or loss of vision are possible indicators of elevated blood pressure. However, these are not reliable indicators, and most people don’t notice they have high blood pressure until after it’s caused damage. The best way to check for this is to have a healthcare professional check your blood pressure for you.
The Flu and Respiratory Infection
Flus are more common in winter, and its symptoms can overlap with those of a stroke. Someone battling the flu would expect to deal with severe headaches, fatigue, confusion, and nausea, and so they might inadvertently dismiss this as simply part of being sick. The critical differences are that stroke symptoms appear suddenly and include neurological signs like facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination. If you’re already unwell with a respiratory infection and develop any of these distinct neurological symptoms, do not assume they’re just part of the flu; seek immediate emergency medical attention instead.
FAST
When in doubt, remember the FAST acronym to remember stroke symptoms. FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 000. If you notice any of these symptoms, call triple zero for help immediately. The sooner you act, the better the chances of survival are.
Why Does Cold Weather Increase Stroke Risk Factor?
So why is risk of stroke is significantly increased in winter? Research published in Germany showed that those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk had increased chances of having a seasonal variation in stroke in winter. How our bodies react to cold, changes in our daily habits, and seasonal illnesses all factors associated with stroke frequency and the heightened risk of stroke cases.
The higher likelihood of having either type of stroke in winter occurs due to the cold temperatures causing blood vessels to constrict. This narrowing forces the heart to pump harder, spiking blood pressure which can rupture weakened blood vessel walls and cause haemorrhagic strokes.
Ischemic strokes have multiple connections to winter. The cold narrows blood vessels and slows blood flow, making it easier for clots to form and block arteries. Studies have shown that cold exposure also thickens the blood itself, increasing clotting risks. Winter illnesses and flu can inflame blood vessels and rupture existing plaques causing clots. This is made worse as people drink less during winter; naturally feeling less thirsty in cold weather and increasing the risk of dehydration which can thicken blood and lead to clotting.
Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people during winter. Depression and low mood reduce the motivation for physical activity and healthy eating, leading to weight gain, higher cholesterol, and higher blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of stroke in cold weather. It also increases social isolation, and research has established that depression is also a stroke risk factor as it creates inflammation, disrupts sleep patterns, and can lead to poorer management of existing health conditions.
Stroke Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Stroke During Winter
Armed with the knowledge about the risk of stroke in winter, the next step is action. The good news is that despite winter’s impact on stroke risk, most of the danger is preventable without dramatic lifestyle changes. This is all it takes to reduce stroke risk:
Physical Activity
Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy blood pressure, improves your circulation, and keeps your blood vessels strong. If the winter season cold weather gets to you, try indoor activities such as swimming, gym workouts, or home exercise routines. Talk with your doctor or exercise physiologist to determine which exercises are best for you.
Eat Healthy
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of stroke substantially. Potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach help counteract high blood pressure by fighting sodium. Magnesium, found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, helps relax blood vessel walls, preventing the dangerous constriction that cold weather already causes. Fibre from whole grains, legumes, and vegetables helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream before it can form the plaques that lead to clots. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish reduce inflammation throughout your body, including on blood vessel walls.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration helps prevent stroke all year round, but a common unintended side effect of cold weather is that people drink less water during winter as they feel less thirsty. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your blood from thickening and reduces the risk of clots.
Get Regular Check Ups
Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and triglyceride numbers. Even if you have the tools to check them at home, speak with your GP so they can advise you on what the numbers mean, how to manage them, and how they impact your stroke risk factor. Blood pressure is especially important in winter due to the higher risk of stroke from hypertension.
Avoid Vices
Drinking alcohol restricts the blood vessels, creating higher blood pressure and increasing your risk of stroke. Smoking is even worse, as it increases blood pressure, damages blood vessels, and creates blood clots, all factors leading to stroke occurrence.
Manage Stress
If you’re struggling with a persistent low mood, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by stress, speak with your GP or therapist to discuss treatment, counselling, or medication. Stay in touch with your friends, even if it’s as simple as a text or phone call. If you’re not getting enough sleep try keeping your bedroom cool and dark, going to bed and waking up at consistent hours (even on weekends), and limiting your screen time and caffeine intake after 6pm.
First Aid for a Stroke in Winter
If you suspect a person is experiencing a stroke in winter, immediately call 000. Whilst waiting for the ambulance, follow these steps:
Position the person safely. Lay them on their side in the recovery position with their head slightly elevated and supported by something soft like a cushion or folded jacket.
Loosen restrictive clothing. Gently loosen any tight clothing around their neck, chest, or waist, such as ties, collars, belts, or bras to help them breathe more easily and reduce stress on their cardiovascular system.
Do not give food or drink. Never give the person anything to eat or drink, even if they ask for water. A stroke can make swallowing dangerous and cause them to choke.
Do not give medication. Do not give them aspirin or any other medication, even if you know they take it regularly. Some medications could increase the bleeding in their brain, dramatically worsening the situation.
Note the time. Record the exact time you first noticed stroke symptoms or when the person was last acting normally as some stroke treatments can only be given within limited timeframes.
Stay with them and provide reassurance. Remain calm and stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Speak reassuringly, even if they cannot respond or seem confused.
Provide information to paramedics. When emergency services arrive, inform them of the time symptoms started, any medications the person takes, any known medical conditions including history of stroke, and what you observed. Mention if the person has major stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or if they take blood thinners.
Fight Winter Stroke Risks
The increased risk of stroke in winter has multiple factors behind it, but it doesn’t take much to lower your chances of having one. If you’re concerned about your risk for stroke during the winter months, it’s best to ask your doctor what you can do well before winter comes.
With the knowledge to recognise stroke symptoms, preparedness to act, some minor lifestyle changes, a quick trip to your GP, and first aid training, you can be fully prepared to fight the risk of a stroke in winter, let alone at any time of the year. By enrolling with us in first aid training, the life you could one day save might even be your own.
FAQs
Should I Get Vaccinated Before Winter?
Yes. Yearly flu vaccinations help prevent illness which can increase the risk of stroke and are recommended for everyone over the age of six months in Australia. Many at‑risk groups can get it free.
Which Medicines Should I Avoid If I Have a High Stroke Risk?
Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) can raise blood pressure and interfere with heart medicines. Avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen aspirin, and naproxen (Naprosyn) if you take anticoagulants as they can increase the risk of bleeding and clots when combined.
What Other Health Issues Are More Common in Winter?
Winter brings increased rates of respiratory infections that create immune system stress, hypothermia and cardiovascular health complications, and seasonal affective disorder affecting circulation. Cold weather hypertension and blood clot risk in cold weather contribute to winter mortality rates for cardiovascular disease.
