South Korea Issues First Cold Wave Alert of Fall, Warning of Surge in Heart and Stroke Risks

[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] South Korea’s first cold wave advisory of the season has arrived alongside urgent public-health warnings: the sudden plunge in temperatures can trigger life-threatening cardiovascular events, especially in older adults and those with preexisting conditions.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 334 cold-related illnesses were reported nationwide during the 2024-2025 season, with eight fatalities. Hypothermia accounted for the majority of cases; patients aged 65 and older made up 54.8% of incidents and 87.5% of deaths. Beyond direct hypothermia, the sharp drop in temperature markedly elevates the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How Falling Temperatures Stress Blood Vessels

Abrupt exposure to cold air prompts peripheral blood vessels to constrict in an effort to conserve core body heat. This reflex raises blood pressure, accelerates heart rate, increases blood viscosity, and heightens clotting tendency—creating a perfect storm for thrombus formation inside arteries.

“Hypothermia can impair the function of vital organs including the heart, brain, and lungs while overstimulating the autonomic nervous system and placing extraordinary strain on the cardiovascular system,” said Dr. Kyu-young Choi, a cardiologist at H+ Yangji Hospital in Seoul. Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia are particularly vulnerable.

Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Risks in Cold Snaps

Cold weather dramatically increases the incidence of acute myocardial infarction—the blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Vasoconstriction drives up blood pressure and can destabilize preexisting atherosclerotic plaques, precipitating vessel occlusion or rupture.

Classic symptoms include central chest pressure, radiating discomfort to the left shoulder, arm, jaw, or neck, shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea. Any chest pain that persists beyond 30 minutes or feels unusually severe demands immediate emergency care.

Cold-Weather Prevention Guidelines

Layering clothing is essential but insufficient on its own. To minimize heat loss, wear multiple thin layers, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Avoid outdoor activity during the coldest hours—typically early morning—when temperatures plummet most sharply. Patients with cardiovascular history or chronic illnesses should limit exertion and exposure altogether.

The message from public-health authorities is clear: a winter cold is more than an inconvenience. For millions, it is a potentially lethal cardiovascular trigger.

Lim Hye Jung / press@themedik.kr

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