Keep your heart
safe this winter
Awareness must be generated about how the sudden
change in weather can cause health complications for the elderly, children and
people with existing lifestyle diseases
While the sudden change in weather comes
as a sign of relief for many; it also brings with it health implications
especially for those suffering from pre-existing lifestyle diseases, the
elderly and young children. It is essential that special care is taken during
this time to be able to enjoy properly the winter season.
Given that the lack of preventive awareness
that exists amongst the masses, special workshops and lectures on winter
preparedness will be organized during Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI)’s
annual flagship event, the upcoming 22nd MTNL Perfect Health Mela
scheduled to be held from Nov 4-8 at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi.
It is a known fact that the number of deaths
due to heart attacks, cardiac arrests and strokes increase during the winters.
There are several reasons for this; firstly the reduction in the daylight hours
affects the hormonal balance of the body and causes Vitamin D deficiency a
common trigger for heart attacks. Additionally, cold temperatures cause the
heart arteries to condense thereby restricting the blood and oxygen flow to the
heart. This often causes a rise in the blood pressure.
The cold weather also triggers bouts of
depression especially amongst the elderly population causing an increase in
stress levels and hypertension. People suffering from winter depression are
also seen indulging in high sugar, trans fat and sodium comfort food, which can
be extremely dangerous for the diabetic and hypertensive population. The temperature drop also increases the chances of blood
clot formation, since blood platelets are more active and stickier.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr. K K
Aggarwal, President HCFI and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “The risks
of developing serious cardiovascular concerns during winter months can be
prevented and easily managed by making some habitual changes to one’s
lifestyle. It is advised that heart patients shouldn’t consume alcohol quantities
during in winter months as it can cause atrial fibrillation. A heart healthy
diet must be followed, and binge eating should be avoided. Eating small and
frequent meals is recommended as it helps eradicate overeating and excess
pressure on the heart”.
A few tips on how to stay healthy during the winter months
include:
·
Don’t stress your heart, regularly
step out in sunlight and adequate amounts of aerobic exercise
·
Don’t indulge in high-intensity
workouts excessive exhaustion can overstress your heart. Take rest breaks so
that you don’t feel too tired suddenly while walking
·
Don’t go for a walk in
extreme chilly mornings, instead go out when the sun is out
·
Ask your doctor to adjust the
dosage of your routine medicines
·
Keep a close tab on your
cholesterol levels, as they can fluctuate in the winters. Immediately consult
your doctor in case you notice something unusual, borderline high cholesterol
levels can put you at an increased risk of a heart attack
·
Hypothermia is one such
problem that majority of heart patients encounter during winters. To keep the
risk of hypothermia away, it is suggested that you stay warmly clad
·
Don’t ignore any unusual
symptoms like slight discomfort in the chest, sweating, pain in jaw and
shoulders, pain in neck and arms and shortness of breath. Immediately, reach
out for medical assistance in case you suffer from any of these symptoms
Prevention
is always better than cure. A little extra care can help make the holiday
months, more enjoyable and heart healthy.
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