In several cities across northern India, hospitals and medical practitioners have reported a notable rise in brain stroke cases during the winter season. Healthcare facilities in Ranchi, for example, have reported an uptick in admissions for brain strokes as temperatures fall during cold waves, particularly among older adults and people with pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes according to a report by TOI.
Medical professionals attribute this trend to cold-related physiological changes that can increase stroke risk, a pattern that has been observed more than once with the onset of winter months.
Several biological responses to cold temperatures may help explain why stroke risk increases in winter:
Cold exposure causes blood vessels to narrow, a process called vasoconstriction to conserve body heat. This narrowing increases blood pressure, which is a major modifiable risk factor for both ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots blocking vessels) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by a blood vessel rupture). Elevated pressure places extra strain on the cardiovascular system and can precipitate vascular events.
Colder temperatures can also increase blood viscosity, making it thicker and more prone to clotting. Higher clotting potential increases the risk of ischemic strokes, particularly among individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Many stroke events have been observed during early morning hours, when temperatures are lowest. These abrupt drops may trigger sharper vessel constriction and significant blood pressure spikes, increasing vulnerability to stroke.
In addition to direct physiological responses, winter lifestyle changes can contribute to stroke risk:
Reduced physical activity during cold months may lead to weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and poorer cardiovascular health.
Dehydration is more common in winter because people drink less water in cold weather, which can further thicken blood and increase clotting risk.
Respiratory infections such as flu are more frequent in winter and may trigger systemic inflammation, further increasing the risk of arterial plaque instability and stroke. ([turn0search3]; [turn0search11])
These indirect factors compound the effects of cold and can exacerbate existing risk profiles for vulnerable individuals.
Healthcare providers in Ranchi have reported a sharp rise in brain stroke admissions and related cases during cold spells. Cold waves have prompted more patients, especially older adults and people with cardiovascular risk factors, to seek urgent care. Doctors have advised high-risk groups to take extra precautions, including maintaining warmth, ensuring regular medication, and avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure in chilling conditions.
Similar winter-linked cardiovascular increases have been observed in other northern and north-central Indian cities, where stroke and heart attack cases rise in parallel with cold-induced pressures on the circulatory system.
Medical experts stress the importance of early detection and rapid response to stroke symptoms, as timely hospital arrival significantly improves outcomes and can reduce long-term disability. Symptoms such as sudden weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, numbness, or facial drooping should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Winter risk factors also emphasize the need for regular blood pressure monitoring, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions, to manage and potentially mitigate seasonal stroke risk.
Cold winter weather in northern India is associated with a rise in stroke cases, as reported by medical facilities and supported by known physiological mechanisms. Cold-induced vasoconstriction, increased blood viscosity, and seasonal lifestyle effects contribute to this trend. Continued public awareness, preventive strategies, and early medical attention are key in addressing the seasonal increase in stroke risk.
Reference
VanderBeek, Brandon L., and Joel S. Schuman. “Seasonal Variation and Stroke Risk: A Review of the Evidence.” Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases 27, no. 3 (2018): 381–391. PubMed Central (PMC6556065). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556065/.
