With the mercury dipping, cardiologists across city hospitals have cautioned heart patients to be careful as winters usually sees an increase in not just heart problems but even heart attacks. Cardiologists say that the fall in temperature during this season poses a greater risk for patients suffering from heart problems and high blood pressure.
“We have observed an upward trend of patients with heart attacks during winters. People already suffering from cardiovascular diseases need to know that they have to be more conscious about their heart’s health during colder months,” said Dr Shirish Hiremath, cardiologist and director of AIIMS, Aundh hospital.
Asked on why this upward trend takes place, cardiologists explained that metabolism of the body is high during winter and so is the need for oxygen. It increases the pressure on the heart thus the risk of having a heart attack of a fatal nature is more likely during the winter months.
Dr CN Makhale, co-director of cardiac services, Ruby Hall Clinic, said there is always a rise in number of cases of heart attack and other coronary artery diseases during the winter season as viscosity of blood increases when temperatures decreases.
“The number of cases definitely increases and sudden exposure to cold increases the chances of a cardiac arrest. People suffering from hypertension, obesity and smokers are at a greater risk of heart ailments during winters.”
45-year-old Preeti Lakhe (name changed) is a heart patient for almost two years and had her first attack in May 2012 after which she underwent an angioplasty.
“My health started recovering but last December I had a problem breathing and was ill throughout winter. Recently, I have been experiencing chest pain and breathing problems again,” said Lakhe.
Lakhe is undergoing treatment at the Columbia Asia Hospital and has been advised to avoid going out in the cold. She experiences breathing problems and chest pain during winters.
“Lakhe is the kind of patient we see every winter. There is an urgent need to make people aware about their condition so that they act in a proper manner and avoid any further harm. Generally during winters, we see double the number of patients as that during summers,”said Dr Manohar Sakhre, cardiologist, Columbia Asia Hospital,Pune.
Cardiologist Dr Rahul Patil explained that during cold weather, heart pumps faster to maintain body heat.
“In this process, the arteries tighten, which restricts the blood flow and reduces the oxygen supply to your heart,” said Patil, adding that a patient should remain in touch with a doctor so that any change in blood pressure and other body conditions is noticed. While some doctors suggest light exercise, they also warned that too much of exercise may be harmful.
“If someone is not in the habit of exercising, they must not start exercise suddenly. For those suffering with very high blood pressure, very early morning walks must be avoided, “ said Patil.
For heart’s sake
Avoid going out early morning and late night.
Maintain a healthy diet as you need more calories during winter
Avoid heavy exercise
Do not exercise after meals
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Use warm clothes to avoid the sudden climate change
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}