Every year, more than 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke. While strokes can happen any time of year, studies presented by the American Heart Association have shown they occur more often during the winter months. Physicians at McLaren Health Care remind patients that cold weather can influence several factors that contribute to stroke risk.
Why Strokes Are More Common in Winter
When temperatures drop, the body reacts by tightening or constricting its blood vessels to preserve heat. This process increases blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for stroke.
Cold weather can also cause blood to thicken slightly, making it more likely to form clots that can block blood flow to the brain. These changes mean that for people who already have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other underlying conditions, cold weather can increase the chance of a stroke.
Understanding Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can occur when a clot blocks a blood vessel (known as an ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke).
Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. That’s why a stroke is considered a medical emergency — getting treatment right away can make all the difference in recovery.
Risk Factors You Should Know
While anyone can have a stroke, certain conditions and lifestyle factors raise the risk, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Family history of stroke
- Older age
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Think “B.E. F.A.S.T.”
Early recognition is key. McLaren neurologists recommend using the B.E. F.A.S.T. method to spot the warning signs:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E – Eyes: Sudden vision problems, blurred or double vision
- F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb
- A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or drifts downward
- S – Speech: Slurred or hard-to-understand speech
- T – Time: If these signs appear, call 911 immediately
Acting fast gives emergency teams the best chance to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.
Protecting Yourself During the Cold Months
A few small steps can make a big difference in reducing stroke risk during winter:
- Keep warm and avoid sudden temperature changes
- Stay active, even with indoor exercise
- Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Schedule regular checkups with your doctor
The McLaren Stroke Network
The McLaren Stroke Network connects stroke specialists across McLaren hospitals to provide advanced, coordinated care—helping patients get the right treatment as quickly as possible.
To learn more about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery, visit mclaren.org/stroke.