Why being mindful of heart health during winter is crucial

Even as temperatures have started to dip in Delhi cardiologists on Wednesday called people especially those with preexisting heart conditions to be mindful of the winter season known to increase risk of heart attacksAs winter approaches we have observed a concerning uptick in the number of heart patients averaging between 12 to 14 cases weekly Cold weather can exacerbate cardiovascular conditions posing significant risks particularly for individuals with preexisting heart issues Dr Vikas Chopra senior consultant Interventional Cardiologist Primus Super Speciality Hospital told IANSHe explained that the drop in temperature prompts physiological changes leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate as well as heightened demands on the cardiovascular systemI strongly urge everyone especially those with known heart conditions to take proactive measures during the winter months It is crucial to adhere to prescribed medications maintain regular followups with your healthcare provider and adopt lifestyle adjustments such as staying physically active managing stress and adhering to a hearthealthy diet Dr Chopra addedStudies from several countries have shown that winters are a concern for heart patients and a surge in cardiovascular deathsA 2021 study in the journal Medicine found that overall US cardiac arrests peak during December and January Another study in the journal BMJ Open looked at deaths and daily temperatures in Finland and found that cardiac death increased by approximately 19 per cent on unusually cold daysColder weather thickens the blood making it more likely to clot Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta consultant Dept of Cardiology at the CK Birla Hospital Delhi told IANSIn addition disruption to the sleep cycle and hormonal balance impacts cardiovascular health he said noting that shovelling snow engaging in winter sports and other activities common in cold weather can put further stress on the heartDr Hemant Gandhi Associate Director Cardiology Max Hospital Gurugram blamed factors like reduced physical activity and changes in diet during winter behind an increase in heart problems He told IANS that individual health and lifestyle factors also play a significant role in heart healthDr Gupta cited the role of traditional food habits with a higher intake of salt and lipids of animal origin which can lead to changes in metabolism and ultimately affect the mechanism of atherogenesis coagulation and thrombogenesisIt is also possible that the influence of day duration and lack of sunlight or UV light in this season stimulate the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin and liposoluble cholesterol sulphate whose deficiency can favour atherosclerosis and inflammation and be the cause of higher incidence and increased mortality during winter he addedThe doctors called for staying active by engaging in indoor activities or lowintensity outdoor exercise dressing warmly to prevent chilling and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits vegetables and whole grainsPeople must also manage stress effectively to avoid exacerbating cardiovascular risks and patients should modify their lifestyle particularly during the winter months with a diet rich in organic sulphate and vitamin D3 and if possible exposure to sunlight the doctors recommendedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever