Brazil faces rising cardiovascular risks as cold temperatures spread

Health experts warn that dropping temperatures across Brazil are triggering a range of circulatory and heart problems. Dr. Edwaldo Joviliano explains that cold induces vasoconstriction, which can cause heavy, swollen legs and increase the risk of deep‑vein thrombosis, especially for people with varicose veins, hypertension or a history of clotting. In the state of Mato Grosso, daily averages below 14 °C have been linked to up to a 30 % rise in heart‑attack deaths, and each 10 °C drop in minimum temperature raises heart‑attack risk by roughly 7 %. The cold also heightens the incidence of strokes, angina, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular events, particularly among the elderly, hypertensive and diabetic populations.

Authorities recommend simple preventive measures: dress warmly, stay physically active with light exercises, maintain good hydration, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and receive the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce infection‑driven inflammation that can destabilize arterial plaques. Regular cardiac check‑ups are advised to detect early signs of circulatory trouble.