Heart Patients, Take Extra Care in Winter
Cold weather narrows the arteries, makes the blood stickier and cuts our sunlight — which is why the risk of a heart attack can rise by up to 50 per cent in winter. Here are the reasons, and how to protect yourself.
The number of people suffering from heart and lung diseases rises in winter. Out of sheer laziness people neglect their bodies — especially their hearts — even though the heart is most at risk in the cold months.
Why the heart suffers
- Cold weather narrows the arteries of the heart, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to it. This raises blood pressure in patients with hypertension and heart disease.
- In cold weather blood platelets become more active and sticky, so the risk of blood clots also goes up.
- In winter the risk of chest pain and heart attack rises by up to 50 per cent.
- Because winter sunshine is weaker and scarcer, the body can also become deficient in vitamin D. This increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
- Days are shorter in winter and people spend more time indoors, so vitamin D deficiency is more common. Getting an adequate amount of sun in winter is very important.
- In this season we often see winter-related depression in older people. It increases stress, and the resulting hypertension puts more pressure on an already weak heart.
- People suffering from winter depression start eating comfort food high in sugar, trans fat, sodium and calories, which can be very dangerous for people with obesity, heart disease and hypertension.
- To keep the body warm in this season the heart works harder and the blood vessels stiffen. Together, all of this invites a heart attack.
According to doctors, elderly people and those who already have heart problems experience more chest discomfort, sweating, pain in the jaw, shoulders, neck and arms, and breathlessness in winter. Such symptoms should not be ignored. Their advice is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced, nutritious diet to avoid these problems. Both medical experts suggest that if you notice any unusual change in your blood pressure this season, you should consult your doctor immediately to keep your heart safe.
A few more tips
- Adjust your lifestyle to the season.
- Do less strenuous exercise in cold weather.
- If you jog, do yoga or aerobics, keep it up.
- Avoid being outdoors very early in the morning and late at night.
- It is best to stay away from alcohol and cigarettes in winter.
