Why Winters Bring Higher Stroke Risks: A Neurosurgeon Explains

The Chilly Truth About Strokes

Hey there, it's your friendly neighborhood neurosurgeon. Ever notice how winter seems to bring more health scares? Strokes top that list. Studies show a 20-30% jump in cases during colder months. But why? Let's break it down—no jargon, just facts.

Blood Gets Thicker in the Cold

Cold weather makes your blood vessels narrow. It's your body's way of staying warm, like squeezing a hose. This ramps up blood pressure. High BP is stroke's best friend—it can burst vessels or form clots. In places like Kolkata, where winters dip to 10-15°C, this hits hard.

Clot Risk Goes Up

Here's the sneaky part: winter thickens your blood. Less water intake (who drinks enough in the chill?), plus dehydration from dry air, makes it sticky. Add flu season infections, and boom—clots form easier. These block brain arteries, causing ischemic strokes (the most common type).

Heart Plays a Role Too

Cold triggers your heart to work overtime. It pumps harder against narrowed vessels. For folks with heart issues or AFib (irregular heartbeat), this flings clots straight to the brain. Data from AIIMS and global studies confirm: December-February sees the peak.

Lifestyle Sneaks In

Less movement in winter means sluggish circulation. Cozy blankets? Great, but pair them with junk food and skipped walks, and risks soar. Smoking or diabetes? Double trouble in the cold.

Stay Stroke-Safe This Winter

• Dress in layers to keep core warm.

• Hydrate—aim for 2-3 liters daily.

• Walk 30 mins; it thins blood naturally.

• Monitor BP; aim under 120/80.

• Flu shot? Yes. Control sugar and cholesterol.

Spot FAST signs (Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech issue, Time to call ambulance)? Act in 60 minutes for best recovery.

Winters don't have to be risky. Stay warm, stay active. Got questions? Drop them below!