Written By: Satata Karmakar | Published : December 24, 2024 7:53 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr. Abhishek Singh, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.
Heart Health In Winter: Does Cold Weather Increases Heart Attack Risks? Cardiologist Explains
Winter Heart Health: Winters come with a lot of health challenges, especially for individuals with heart conditions. The incidence of heart attacks rises during this weather. This happens because, during cold weather, the blood vessels tend to contract, which can elevate blood pressure. This forces the heart to work harder in order to pump blood throughout the body and maintain the heat. Discomfort in the chest, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or discomfort in the arms or shoulders are a few first signs of a heart attack that one must be aware of in order to take quick action.
People of all ages are vulnerable to heart attack, but it is more common in a certain group of people. Such as:
Keeping the heart healthy during winter brings a lot of challenges and exposes it to various cardiovascular diseases, so here are a few tips that can prevent them:
During winter, individuals tend to have a sedentary lifestyle that lowers their heart functions. It is essential to stay active and include exercise and sports in your daily routine.
Taking a proper diet with food rich in protein and carbohydrates can help in maintaining the body temperature, and in turn, the heart would not have to work hard for it.
Staying indoors as much as possible is advised for people with preexisting heart conditions.
It is important to layer and wear proper clothes when going outdoors.
It can cause changes in the body temperature and put a strain on the heart.
It is essential to be extra careful during this weather condition and take preventive measures to keep the heart healthy. Apart from this, it is advised to stay in touch with a healthcare provider in case the symptoms of any existing heart condition pose any difficulties. There are various treatment options available to treat a heart attack that depends on factors such as the health of the patient, age, and the time of diagnosis. Angioplasty that involves placing a stent to open the blocked arteries or bypass surgery to replace the damaged parts of the heart can be considered. Each treatment option is tailored to the patient's specific symptoms to provide efficient care and a faster recovery.
