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Winter is here! Winter is about enjoying scrumptious food, dressing up in overcoats, slipping into boots, and sipping hot beverages while absorbing the warmth of the cup and so much more. All these things add to the charm of winter that everyone cherishes, but are we missing something here? Yes, the heart!
Winter brings with it some of the main risk factors for heart disease, respiratory conditions, and viruses that are extremely contagious. The hazard is frequently perceived as being frostbite or hypothermia. Your health is immediately impacted by the winter's decreased temperature, which increases the risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest for those with heart ailments. Book an appointment at Manipal Hospitals and meet the best cardiologists in Patiala to know more about heart care in winter. Our highly experienced cardiologists can guide you about various heart ailments and numerous dos and don'ts.
What Impact does Winter have on Heart Health?
People are more likely to become ill with the common cold, fever, and flu during colder months. People with heart conditions may experience more harsh winters. Many alterations in our bodies can occur as a result of a drop in temperature, including:
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In order to sustain blood flow and keep our body warm, the heart must work twice as hard.
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Blood arteries may contract due to the lower temperature. It can result in the cardiac muscles receiving less oxygen and nutrients, endangering their general health.
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It is also more likely to develop blood clots in the cold.
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In the winter, blood pressure and cholesterol levels may also rise. The chance of having a heart attack may increase if your cholesterol and blood pressure are sky-high.
How Winters can a Affect a Heart Patient?
Our body very actively responds to the temperature fluctuations that happen outdoors. With the decrease in temperature, blood vessels contract as a result of increased sympathetic nervous system activity brought on by a drop in body temperature (vasoconstriction). It may be more difficult for the heart to pump blood to body parts as a result of this vasoconstriction, which may raise blood pressure. In people with ongoing heart conditions, this increased pressure may increase their risk of angina, heart attacks, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular diseases.
How can you Tell if you have a Cardiac Condition?
There are not always symptoms of cardiac conditions. Always be on the lookout for any symptoms and seek medical help right away. Get a checkup right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
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Chest discomfort or any type of pain.
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During a heart attack, some people may experience heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain.
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Even while there may not always be obvious chest discomfort, shoulder, and arm pain might still exist.
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Dizziness
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Wheezing and breathing difficulties.
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Cough that lasts a long time in a heart patient.
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Easily exhausted
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Sweating without engaging in any exercise.
Your heart may have a harder time in the chilly weather. However, you may make your heart appreciate this lovely season by leading a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, do not disregard any symptoms and seek help as soon as you observe anything amiss. To know more consult with the best heart hospital in Patiala.
Tips for Maintaining Heart Health in Winter
The following suggestions can help you protect your heart throughout the chilly months:
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Avoid Smoking or Excessive Alcohol Use
Alcohol abuse can cause your body to warm up more than it should, which is harmful while you're outside in the cold. Drink moderately as the body takes time to adjust to changing temperatures (not more than two drinks a week). Smoking ought to be absolutely avoided. One of the main causes of heart illnesses or heart failure is cigarette smoking.
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Remain Warm, Particularly if you have Heart Issues
Your blood vessels may constrict as a result of cold conditions. Therefore, wrap up warm in layers before leaving the house.
Remove a layer until you release enough heat, though, if your body starts to overheat. Your blood vessels may enlarge as a result of too much heat, significantly lowering your blood pressure.
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Don't Skip a Workout. Take it inside
One of the main risk factors for lifestyle disorders like diabetes and hypertension is a sedentary lifestyle. To venture outside in the chilly morning hours, though, could be dangerous. Choose indoor workouts instead, such as yoga, pilates, or easy routines in your living room.
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Aim to Reduce Stress
Take pauses from work, indulge in pastimes like painting or gardening, try at-home yoga, and meditate. Consistently take breaks from your work, please.
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Obtain Routine Medical Examinations
Even if they have no medical history, everyone needs to get regular checks. The following tests should be taken annually by everyone between the ages of 30 and 60.
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Switch to Foods Rich in Healthy Fats
In winter, all of us like to binge on pakoras and parathas, but are we preparing them with healthy oils such as desi ghee, coconut, mustard, groundnut, or olive. Preparing winter delicacies in healthier oils will not increase bad cholesterol in the body and keep the body warm.
Instead of eating fried foods, one can switch to healthier snacks such as soups, dry fruits, eggs, fish, and seasonal vegetables. Include jaggery, honey, and ginger in your meals for better digestion.
If you have heart problems, being cold can raise your risk of having a heart attack. Tightening of blood vessels during this season can obstruct blood flow and cause various heart and other ailments. All these problems make your heart work harder to pump blood. Your heart health will improve by exercising regularly, eating well, and leading a healthy lifestyle. You may also consult our experienced cardiologist in Patiala to discuss your heart history and the necessary precautions that you must be taking this season.
Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology
Manipal Hospitals, Patiala
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