Study: More people die of heart-related diseases during the winter

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- More people die during the winter, but it’s not the cold that kills them.

A new study shows compared to the summer season, people are 26 to 36 percent more likely to die in winter from a heart attack, stroke or heart failure.

And it’s not the low temperatures. The numbers were the same in a hot climate like Arizona or a cold climate like New York State.

So why is winter more deadly? It could have to do with increased rates of depression and the flu season.