When temperatures drop, most people focus on staying warm, avoiding icy roads, or preventing seasonal illnesses. But winter also affects something you may not think about often — your arteries.
Studies on cold-weather effects show that for every 1,000 cardiovascular deaths, an additional 9.1 link to low temperatures. Cold weather changes how your blood vessels behave, which can increase your risk of circulation problems.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we want you to understand why this season makes vascular ultrasounds more critical than ever.
As temperatures fall, your body naturally tightens (or constricts) your blood vessels to conserve heat. While this is normal, it also increases the pressure inside your arteries. For people with existing vascular issues, such as plaque buildup, narrowed arteries, or poor circulation, this added stress can worsen symptoms.
You may feel signs such as cold feet, claudication (leg pain when walking), numbness, or develop slow-healing wounds. Winter can turn mild symptoms into more serious problems, especially if you already live with conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, or hypertension (high blood pressure).
A vascular ultrasound is a painless, noninvasive test that uses sound waves to map blood flow through your arteries. It helps us check how well your circulation is functioning and identify early signs of blockage. Because it doesn’t use radiation or needles, it is safe for patients of all ages.
During the exam, we look for:
Seeing these changes early helps us act before symptoms worsen.
Winter tends to uncover issues that stay quiet during warmer months. Colder temperatures make arteries tighten more than usual, so even little blockages can become noticeable. A vascular ultrasound lets us evaluate how your arteries respond to these conditions.
Patients often discover problems they didn’t know they had, such as reduced blood flow to the feet, early PAD, or poor healing potential in the legs. Identifying these conditions in winter allows us to start treatment quickly and prevent complications.
Specific vascular problems become more dangerous when blood flow drops in cold weather. For example:
A winter vascular ultrasound helps us spot these risks early and create a plan to keep your circulation stable throughout the season.
While anyone can get the test, certain groups benefit the most. You may want to schedule one if you:
Winter tends to make these conditions more noticeable, and early testing can protect your long-term health.
We use vascular ultrasound as one of the most reliable ways to evaluate circulation and detect early signs of disease. The test gives us a clear picture of your arterial health and helps us guide the best treatment, whether that means lifestyle changes, medication, or further testing.
The sooner you know how well your arteries are functioning, the sooner you can take steps to improve your circulation and stay active despite the colder weather.
You can’t control the temperature outside, but you can control how you protect your arteries. If you have symptoms, risk factors, or want peace of mind, a vascular ultrasound is a smart step. Winter is the perfect time to check in on your circulation and keep your arteries working their best all season long.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we’re here to help you stay healthy, informed, and confident, no matter how cold it gets. Call us or complete the online form today to get in touch and make an appointment at one of our Maryland offices.
