Why heart attacks increase in winter
According to Dr. Naveen Bhamri, Director and HOD (Cardiology), Max Super Specialty Hospital (Shalimar Bagh), various studies around the world have proved that the risk of a heart attack in the winter season is twice as high as compared to the summer season. Our heart has to work twice as hard to pump blood in winter. The low temperature causes the blood vessels to temporarily constrict, which increases blood pressure because more pressure is needed to push blood through narrowed veins and arteries. In such a situation, there is a lot of trouble with the blood flow and the muscles of the heart do not get enough oxygen. Because of this, blood clots start forming in winter, which increases the chances of a heart attack. The risk of a heart attack in winter also increases significantly in these people:
– Obese people
– Smokers
– Drinkers
– Previous heart condition
– People with high blood pressure
– Cold and pollution increasing danger
On the other hand, according to Dr. Varun Bansal, Senior Consultant Cardiology and Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, the difficulties of heart patients increase a lot in this cold which is wreaking havoc. In fact, in the winter, cold and increased pollution together make many changes in our bodies. Because of a sudden increase in blood pressure due to cold, blood clots start forming in the veins. Therefore, the cases of heart attack and brain attack start increasing. Over the years, heart disease and stroke-related deaths have been observed to increase in people during winter months. In such a situation, our body needs enough heat to protect itself from the cold. Heart disease and heart attack are directly related to our lifestyle. In such a situation, to keep your heart healthy, it’s important to make the following appropriate and necessary changes in our lifestyle:
– Protect yourself from the cold
Try to wear enough clothes to keep your body warm in severe winter. Also, avoid going out in the early morning or late at night.
– Eat a healthy diet
For this, you can include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish without skin, nuts, etc. in your diet.
– Be physically active
Cardiologists claim that 150 minutes of exercise a week is very beneficial for heart patients. In such a situation, to keep yourself healthy, you must remain physically active. If it is cold outside, then you can keep yourself active at home through brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, dancing, home workout, or meditation.
– Monitor your vitals
If you are suffering from problems like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, vitamin D, blood sugar, kidney, or vascular, then take special care of it in winter and keep checking your vitals from time to time.
– Manage your stress level
Stress and anxiety levels often increase in the winter. Furthermore, when you experience depression, anxiety, or stress, your heart rate, and blood pressure increase, which reduces blood flow to the heart and your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Is. So over time, these effects can lead to heart disease.
– Pay attention to changes in the body
Many changes often occur in the body during the winter season. In such a situation, talk to your cardiologist immediately if you notice any symptoms like pain in the middle or left side of the chest, shortness of breath and lightheadedness, and feeling tired for a few days.
