The toll of cold.

Cold weather claims lives every year. Health Canada data show that 1,678 cold‑related deaths occurred in Canada between 2011 and 2023, an average of about 129 deaths per year, with 68% of victims being male. In the same period there were 9,425 hospitalisations for cold‑related injuries; frostbite accounted for roughly 60.6% and hypothermia for 35%. Most deaths occur among adults aged 50 and older, but emergency‑department visits for cold‑related injuries are highest among 15‑ to 39‑year‑olds. These figures do not include near‑misses or unreported cases of mild frostbite.

Cold stress also strains the cardiovascular system. The Louisiana‑based LCMC Health network explains that more heart attacks occur in December and January than at other times of the year. Exposure to cold causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and thickening the blood, which together increase the risk of heart attack. Flu season and holiday stress amplify the danger; respiratory infections further raise heart‑attack risk. Minnesota‑based Allina Health reported that heavy snowfall—more than two inches—can lead to a 30% surge in heart attacks, largely because shovelling snow is strenuous and people may not recognise their limits.

Early warning signs.

Recognising early signs of frostbite and hypothermia saves lives. Frostbite begins with numbness, tingling or stinging in exposed skin; the skin may turn grey or white and feel hard. Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature below 35 °C, causes shivering, confusion, slurred speech, lack of coordination and lethargy. Extreme cold can also trigger heart attack symptoms such as chest discomfort, pain in the arm or jaw, shortness of breath or sudden weakness. Children and older adults are especially at risk because they may be unable to recognise or communicate these signs.

Prevention: layering, shelter and awareness.

Preventing cold injuries is largely about preparation. Health Canada advises dressing in layers: a moisture‑wicking base layer to draw sweat away, insulating middle layers and a wind‑resistant outer layer. If clothes get wet, change them promptly. Checking weather forecasts and wind chill values helps determine safe exposure times; a seemingly mild temperature can feel far colder in high winds. Environment and Climate Change Canada warns that extreme cold warnings are issued when temperatures or wind chill values are expected to pose an elevated risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Importantly, injuries can occur even when temperatures hover near 0 °C, especially for high‑risk groups.

If you must be outside, move regularly and seek shelter to maintain body heat. For those with heart conditions, avoid strenuous activities like snow shovelling; instead, hire help or break tasks into short intervals. Eat heart‑healthy meals rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and maintain regular physical activity indoors. Adequate hydration matters even in cold weather, as thirst is not always a reliable indicator.

What this means for everyday people.

Cold weather is more than an inconvenience—it can be deadly if taken lightly. The statistics underscore that frostbite and hypothermia are not rare; they kill and hospitalise hundreds each year. Understanding personal risk helps people decide whether to brave the outdoors or stay indoors. High‑risk individuals should pay special attention to weather warnings and have emergency supplies ready, including extra blankets, warm liquids and a fully charged phone.

At the same time, winter does not mean you have to hibernate. With proper precautions—dressing appropriately, limiting exposure, staying hydrated and recognising warning signs—people can safely enjoy outdoor activities. Mindfulness about heart health is critical; many winter‑related heart attacks occur when people who are usually sedentary suddenly engage in strenuous chores. Listening to your body and pacing yourself are as important as bundling up.

 

As climate patterns shift, cold snaps can become more unpredictable. Awareness and preparation remain our best defences. Public health agencies are working to improve data on cold‑related injuries and deaths, and some municipalities are developing warming‑centre networks for those without adequate shelter. By respecting the power of winter and taking commonsense precautions, Canadians can both revel in snow‑covered landscapes and return home safely.

Sources & Further Reading: Health Canada (2011–2023); Environment and Climate Change Canada (2024–2025); LCMC Health (Dec 2025); Allina Health (Jan 2026); American Heart Association (Jan 2024).