December 17, 2025

How Cold Weather Affects Circulation and Vascular Health

As temperatures drop during the cold NYC winters, many people begin to notice changes in how their bodies feel — especially their hands, feet, and legs. While most assume this is just a normal response to chilly weather, the reality is that cold weather can significantly impact your vascular health. For individuals with existing circulatory or vascular conditions, this impact can be more than just discomfort — it can increase the risk of complications.

At the practice of Dr. Alan Benvenisty, MD, a leading vascular surgeon in New York City, we help patients understand how the seasons affect circulation and what steps they can take to protect their vascular health during winter.

Why Does Cold Weather Affect Circulation?

When you’re exposed to cold temperatures, your body naturally tries to preserve heat by constricting blood vessels — a process called vasoconstriction. This narrows the blood vessels, particularly in your extremities, like your fingers, toes, ears, and nose. While this helps your core body temperature stay stable, it can reduce blood flow to the limbs and increase blood pressure.

For individuals with underlying vascular conditions, such as:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Raynaud’s disease
• Atherosclerosis

…this reduced circulation can lead to pain, numbness, or even serious complications like ulcers or tissue damage.

Cold Weather and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

According to the CDC, PAD affects roughly 6.5 million people over the age of 40 in the U.S., and symptoms can worsen in cold temperatures. People with PAD already experience narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Add winter-induced vasoconstriction, and the discomfort from PAD — including leg pain or cramping when walking — can become more pronounced.

Recognizing Signs of Poor Winter Circulation

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, especially during colder months, it may be time to consult a vascular specialist:

• Cold, pale, or blue-tinged fingers or toes
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Burning or cramping pain in legs, especially when walking
• Sores on feet or legs that are slow to heal
• Noticeable color changes in the skin when exposed to cold

Increased Risk of Blood Clots in Winter

Some studies suggest that colder weather can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in patients already prone to clotting conditions. This is partly due to decreased physical activity during winter months and the body’s natural tendency to increase clotting factors when it’s cold.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are serious conditions that can develop from blood clots and may be more likely to occur during long periods of inactivity, such as sitting during holiday travel or avoiding movement due to the cold.

How to Protect Your Vascular Health in Winter

Dr. Benvenisty advises all patients — especially those with known vascular issues — to take proactive steps during New York’s coldest months:

• Stay warm: Dress in layers and keep your extremities (hands, feet, ears) well insulated.
• Keep moving: Regular movement improves circulation. Avoid long periods of sitting.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports healthy blood flow.
• Monitor symptoms: If you notice worsening leg pain or color changes in your skin, don’t ignore them.
• Manage existing conditions: Keep chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol under control, especially in winter.

Expert Vascular Care in New York City

Dr. Alan Benvenisty is a trusted vascular and endovascular specialist based in Manhattan, known for his personalized, conservative approach to vascular care. He works with each patient to assess risks, monitor symptoms, and create custom treatment plans — especially important during weather changes when circulation is more vulnerable.

Whether you’re dealing with early signs of PAD, experiencing leg pain, or want to protect your vascular health through the winter season, Dr. Benvenisty provides expert, compassionate care right here in NYC.

Schedule Your Winter Vascular Health Checkup

If cold weather is causing new or worsening circulation symptoms, don’t wait. Contact the office of Dr. Alan Benvenisty in New York City today to schedule a consultation and ensure your vascular health is protected all winter long.