Across the globe, more heart attacks occur during winter than at any other time of year. Researchers aren’t sure why, but they know it’s not necessarily due to cold weather. Other causes may include the following:

• Flu and other infections. These are more common in winter. In one study, researchers found a person’s risk for heart attack temporarily tripled in the 10 days following an acute respiratory tract infection.
• Snow. Researchers in Minnesota found that the amount of snow—and possibly the physical stress of shoveling that snow—was more closely linked to heart attack deaths than was temperature.
• The holiday season. One study found the highest number of heart attacks occurred around January 1. Holiday stress, coupled with the tendency to overindulge in food and drink during that time, may be factors.

To reduce your risk, experts suggest the following:

• Maintain heart-healthy habits. A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and not smoking are key.
• Consider a flu shot. In a study of heart attack patients, those who received a flu shot lowered their risk of a second heart attack by 67 percent.
• Be careful outdoors. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, check with your doctor before engaging in outdoor physical activities.
• Know the heart attack warning signs. These may include chest pain as well as shoulder, neck, or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating, or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you think you’re having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.

Heartburn or heart attack?That can be a tough call. Here’s an easy one: 1-800-575-1911.Western Baptist Hospital’s Chest Pain and Stroke Hotline is answered 24 hours a day by registered nurses with training in cardiac and stroke emergencies.