Nainital: These days, the harshness of winter has started in the lake city of Nainital of Uttarakhand. The effect of continuously falling temperatures is now clearly visible on the health of the local people. The number of patients with heart, blood pressure and respiratory problems has increased rapidly in the District Hospital BD Pandey since last one week. More than 40 patients are reaching the cardiology department of the hospital every day for treatment, mostly elderly, heart patients and diabetic patients.
Why does the danger increase in cold?
According to experts, in extreme cold the blood vessels of the body shrink, due to which the blood pressure suddenly increases. This increases pressure on the heart and the risk of heart attack also increases. The tendency for blood to thicken increases in cold weather, which increases the chances of serious conditions like clot formation and stroke. On the other hand, in diabetic patients, blood sugar and insulin resistance may increase when the temperature drops, which poses additional risks.
Being careless can be dangerous
Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, cardiologist of the district hospital, says that even a little carelessness can prove dangerous for heart-related patients in winter. Cold air increases the need for oxygen in the heart, due to which problems like chest pain, increased heartbeat, shortness of breath can increase. Patients suffering from asthma, COPD and heart failure should also take special caution in this season.
Be sure to keep these things in mind
Dr. Singh said that protection from cold is the biggest medicine at this time. He said that patients suffering from heart disease should not go out in cold air early in the morning, keep their body well covered and eat warm, light and nutritious food. Take medicines on time, avoid stress and heavy lifting and keep checking blood pressure and sugar regularly. It is also very important to stay away from smoking and alcohol. He warned that if symptoms like chest pain or heaviness, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the body, dizziness or fainting are seen, then contact the doctor immediately. In this cold season, experts advise to be alert, keep the body warm and not be careless about health.
