U of M researchers find correlation between cold temperatures and heart attacks

Snow fell on Winnipeg Saturday and was accompanied by cool temperatures and high winds.

Winnipeg's cold weather has played a major role in new research on heart attacks.

Researchers from the University of Manitoba studied the effects of temperature on the risk of heart attacks.

The findings of the six-year project were released Sunday in London, England.

It found that each 10 degree Celsius drop in temperature was associated with a seven per cent increased risk of the most severe form of heart attack.

“We know there is often a delay in people seeking care and it would be very helpful for public awareness campaigns to focus on the high risk areas such as when the temperature drops," said lead researcher, Dr. James Tam.

Dr. James Tam says daily temperature can predict risk of severe heart attacks one or two days before it happens.

Warmer temperatures, however, were not associated with an increased risk.

The study is part of a multi-year project to improve heart attack care in Winnipeg.