How to Keep Heart Healthy in Winter: Winter has arrived and the weather of Khandwa city has taken a sudden turn. This time, not December, but the cold has started showing its effect from November itself. Whereas earlier the temperature used to remain at 12-14 degrees, this time it has reached 7 degrees in the initial days itself. This sharp drop in temperature is directly affecting the health of people, especially the patients suffering from heart disease.
The number of such patients has started increasing in both government and private hospitals who are arriving with problems like chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or nervousness. According to doctors, cases of heart attacks naturally increase in winter, because cold directly affects our heart and blood flow. What is the reason behind this? And how to keep yourself safe? Let us know the expert opinion…
effect of cold on heart
Heart specialist Dr. Pankaj Jain says that the number of heart-related patients increases faster in winter as compared to summer. There are many reasons for this, such as… When the temperature falls, the blood vessels of the body shrink.
The blood starts thickening, due to which the blood flow slows down. The heart has to exert more pressure to pump blood. This increases the risk of heart attack and brain stroke.
According to Dr. Jain, problems like cough, cold, fever, sore throat are common during cold and flu season, but for people who already have heart disease, these symptoms can become serious. Bronchitis and chest pain increase the risk for heart patients. Doctors say that cases of bronchitis increase in cold. In bronchitis, symptoms like burning sensation or pain in the chest, problem in breathing, increased cough are seen, which can worsen the condition in heart patients. If someone already has cardiac problems, then bronchitis can become a double problem for them in winter.
Direct attack on heart and brain
In common language people say that blood becomes thick in winter. Doctor Jain also believes that there is some truth in this. When the thickness of blood increases, sufficient blood is not able to reach the heart. The possibility of clot formation in the heart increases. At the same time, clot can enter the brain and cause stroke or paralysis. This is the reason why cases of both heart attack and stroke increase in winter.
Do not ignore these symptoms at all
If you or any family member sees these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
1. Feeling pain or pressure in the chest
2. Nervousness or restlessness
3. Numbness in an arm or leg
4. Weakening of one side of the face
5. Sudden weakness in any part of the body
6. Shortness of breath
7. Extreme cold and sweating can be early signs of heart attack or stroke.
keep these things in mind
According to Dr. Pankaj Jain, some precautions are very important in winter to keep the heart healthy.
1. Do not go out early in the morning– The temperature is lowest in the morning. At this time there is maximum pressure on the heart. Heart patients should not go out between 6-9 in the morning.
2. Dress warmly enough– Be sure to wear sweater, hat, muffler and socks so that the body temperature remains stable.
3. Keep wearing a mask- The mask protects the lungs from cold air and prevents viral infections.
4. Do not drink very cold water- Cold water shrinks the vessels of the body, which can suddenly increase blood pressure.
5. Do light exercise- Running fast or working out can put pressure on the heart. Light walk is better.
6. Keep your diet balanced- Eat hot soups, seasonal fruits, oats, dry fruits, and green vegetables.
Avoid fried foods, excess salt and excess sugar.
7. Take your medicines regularly- Do not skip the medicines prescribed by the doctor and keep getting checkups done on time.
