Cold weather can be especially challenging for heart patients. At this time, due to falling temperature, clotting of blood increases and the heart has to work harder to pump blood.
The important thing about weather is that it keeps changing. In some event, Javed Akhtar Saheb had said that India is very lucky that we have three seasons. But this good fortune turns into misfortune for many. You must have also heard that the risk of heart attack (heart attack in cold weather) increases with the arrival of winter. Why does this happen? This is what we are going to understand today.
Heart becomes weak in cold weather (Heart function in cold weather)
Heart specialist Dr. Prakash Chandra says that the body’s activity slows down while sleeping at night. Additionally, blood pressure and sugar levels also reduce. But even before waking up in the morning, the body’s autonomic nervous system works to bring it back to normal levels.
The autonomic nervous system works in every season, but during the winter season this system requires the heart to work harder than usual. Because of this, the risk of heart attack in cold weather increases for those who already have heart disease.
Symptoms of Heart attack in cold weather
In case of heart disease i.e. heart related disease (Heart attack in cold weather), you can experience many symptoms in yourself such as-
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- difficulty breathing
- heartburn and pain
- feeling of pressure in the chest
- Swelling of feet, ankles and soles
- Pain in arms, waist, neck and jaw
Why the risk of heart attack increases in cold weather (Causes of heart attack in cold weather)
1 high fat food
In winter, people eat more fried foods and heavy food, which becomes harmful for the heart. Apart from this, drinking alcohol and smoking also increases the risk of heart diseases (Heart attack in cold weather).
2 sudden increase in blood pressure
Even in a very cold environment, the body can get a shock, due to which the heart rate and blood pressure can increase rapidly. This also becomes a major cause of heart attack (Heart attack in cold weather). That is why doctors advise not to bathe with very cold water in winter.
3 Cholesterol Deposits
In cold weather, people prefer to stay indoors and physical activities (such as walking or exercise) reduce. This increases fat and cholesterol in the body which blocks the nerves of the heart.
4 blood thickening
Cold can cause the blood to thicken, which increases the chances of forming blood clots. These clots can block the arteries of the heart, due to which heart attacks have also been seen in people.
5 Increase in swelling
Diseases like flu and cold are also more common in winter. These diseases can increase inflammation in the body which is harmful for the heart. The effect of cold is more on those people who already have high blood pressure, diabetes or any heart disease (Heart attack in cold weather).
Tips to reduce heart attack risk in cold weather
1 exercise
Physical exercise usually reduces in winter, but light exercise daily is very important. Take a morning walk or do exercises like yoga and stretching at home. With this, blood circulation in the body remains fine and pressure on the heart will be reduced.
2 balanced diet
In winter, you feel like eating more fried foods, but reduce them. Instead, eat a diet rich in green vegetables, fresh fruits, dry fruits and fiber. Light but nutrition-rich food helps keep the heart healthy.
3 wear warm clothes
Cover the body well to avoid cold. Wear warm clothes, socks and hat to maintain proper body temperature. Cold can affect the heart, so it is important to keep the body warm.
4 Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are very harmful for the heart. These increase blood pressure and can damage the heart nerves. If you want good health of your heart, then you can improve your heart health by leaving these habits.
5 It is important to have regular health checkups
your blood pressure, cholesterol And keep checking sugar from time to time. If there is any problem, consult a doctor.
By adopting these easy measures, you can keep your heart healthy and safe in winter. It is your responsibility to take care of your heart.
Also read – Heart attack statistics are changing, the risk is higher in women after menopause, know how to avoid it