Is Shortness of Breath Worse in Winter? 

More people die of heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. The reasons are complex, but one possible contributor is cold weather. 

At all six Michigan locations of Heart & Vascular Institute, our skilled providers frequently see patients experiencing shortness of breath, especially during periods of cold weather.

Shortness of breath isn’t always a symptom of a heart problem, but it can be. Since heart attacks are more common in the winter, don’t wait to seek help if you’re struggling to breathe.

Shortness of breath and heart health

The medical name for shortness of breath is dyspnea. Feeling as if you can’t get enough air into your lungs or can’t catch your breath is an uncomfortable situation. 

If you’re working out, feeling short of breath for a few minutes afterward makes sense. The same is true if you have a cold or someone jumps from behind a door and startles you. However, if you’re simply walking across your living room, you shouldn’t feel short of breath.

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a heart issue, such as arrhythmia or heart attack, but it could indicate many other things, including:

• Asthma
• Anxiety
• A blood clot
• An allergic reaction

At Heart & Vascular Institute, we can help you understand whether your shortness of breath is heart-related through tests such as a stress test, echocardiogram, or a Bio-Z test. 

Shortness of breath and cold weather

When the air is cold, it’s also dry. It’s harder to breathe dry air. Dry air irritates your airways, causing them to contract and narrow. Cold air can also increase mucus production, further constricting your airways. 

If you’re outdoors during cold weather and active, such as shoveling snow or participating in a winter sport, the combination of cold, dry air and exertion can make you feel especially short of breath. 

When to be worried

If you’re short of breath and have other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Here are some other signs that should cause concern:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Discomfort or a feeling of pressure in your back, neck, or jaw
• Pain in your arms (one or both)
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Nausea
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling unusually tired
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you experience any of these symptoms and shortness of breath, call 911. 

Take action 

If you have concerns about your heart health, the best thing you can do is get evaluated before you have symptoms. We’re happy to answer your questions, discuss your concerns, and help you understand your risk factors for heart problems. 

Schedule an appointment by phone or online today at the Heart & Vascular Institute location near you.