Weather that’s too hot or cold raises the likelihood of a cardiovascular event. In the U.S., most deaths from heart disease occur in December and January. Part of that reason is sub-freezing weather that causes blood vessels leading to the heart to narrow. During hot spells, blood flow is directed to the skin and away from the heart. If the coronary arteries already have blockages, this further decrease in blood flow can trigger a heart attack in at-risk people.

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