According to several studies, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, cardiovascular difficulties, arrhythmias, and health diseases are on the rise throughout winter when the temperature lowers unexpectedly. Follow these crucial precautions to avoid a heart attack this winter.
Heart attacks are now widespread among adults in their twenties, thirties, and even forties, not just the elderly, where variables such as high blood pressure, bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and stress, as well as seasonal changes, may all wreak havoc with your heart. Yes, you read that correctly! During the winter, when the weather is cold, a huge number of people suffer from heart attacks.
It will be critical for you to take the best care of your heart throughout the winter and live a healthy life since, while winter is a pleasant and preferred season for the majority of people, it is also renowned. Winter is a period when there is an increase in incidence of heart attacks since the cold temperature not only makes you prone to respiratory difficulties or joint discomfort, but also to heart disorders.
It’s hardly an exaggeration to suggest that winter is connected with heart attacks. Dr Praveen Kulkarni, Senior Cardiologist at Global Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle, “Those who smoke, have a sedentary lifestyle, and have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at danger of having a heart attack during winter.” He explained how cold temperatures might affect your heart in the following way:
According to several studies, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, cardiovascular difficulties, arrhythmias, and illnesses are on the rise throughout winter when the temperature decreases unexpectedly. When it is chilly outside, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is engaged, resulting in restricted blood vessels known as ‘vasoconstriction.’ As a result, if blood pressure suddenly rises, the heart will have to work harder to pump blood to other organs in the body, resulting in a heart attack.
Also, owing to the cold weather, one may be unable to retain body heat and may develop hypothermia, which can cause severe damage to the heart’s blood arteries, perhaps leading to a heart attack.
Even people with pre-existing cardiac issues should exercise caution. Heart attacks are more likely in those who have previously been diagnosed with heart issues or have a history of heart attacks.
Furthermore, when winter arrives, one is unable to exercise owing to the cold weather outside, which might be harmful to one’s heart. Apart from that, individuals choose comfort meals throughout the winter, which might lead to cardiac issues. However, these are some of the indirect variables that contribute to heart attacks. Another concerning element that might cause cardiac problems is air pollution.
A heart attack manifests as chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weariness. Do not disregard these warning signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How to Avoid a Heart Attack in the Winter
Dr. Praveen Kulkarni suggested –
• Dress appropriately: Dress in layers appropriate for the weather. This will keep you warm and safeguard your heart during the cold. As a result, you will need to wear hats, gloves, and sweaters.
• Exercise on a regular basis: Physical exercise on a daily basis will enhance immunity, assist regulate body heat, and keep you fit. Only exercise if your doctor says so. However, avoid exercising in the cold. Furthermore, it is preferable to stay indoors and prevent excessive cold.
• Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control: Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control might minimise your chance of having a heart attack.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, beans, whole grains, berries, legumes, flaxseeds, spinach, carrots, and broccoli. Soups will keep you warm. However, avoid junk food, hot foods, oils, and canned foods.
Regular heart exams: Follow the doctor’s advice and have a heart screening every 6 months.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Learn about the CPR technique that can help you save a heart attack victim’s life.
Winter heart attack prevention: Here’s how to avoid a winter heart attack.
