• According to a German study, temperature drops (up to 2.9 degrees over 24 hours) result in an increase in heart attacks by 11%
• The surge in blood pressure during cold climate causes rupture, heart attacks, blood clotting and blocking of oxygen supply to the brain
• Studies show that heart attacks and related complications are frequent in winter mornings

As the temperature starts dropping extensively, Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, Cardiologist at Paras Hospitals, Gurugram report more and more cases of cardiac arrests or blood pressure-related conditions among people. Most hypertensive patients have repeatedly reported blood thickening and symptoms of heart attacks. Blood pressure fluctuates as per environmental conditions and hence many of us face issues in summer due to the body’s requirement for radiating heat. 

Doctors and experts often recommend that diabetes, hypertension and cardiac patients avoid early morning walk in winter as this is not only harmful but comes with long-term issues in the patient. Winter mornings can be windy and troublesome leading to joint issues and muscle pains in elderly patients and aggravating the already existing situations. Winters are also said to be the amalgamation of risk factors for brain stroke and cardiac arrests. According to research, more than 15 lakh individuals go through symptoms of stroke in India. While one-third of them end up having stroke-related ailments. 

Commenting on the heart conditions during winters, Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, Vice Chairman, Cardiology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram said “Winter mornings increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions. Blood pressure is inversely proportional to winter. Chilly weather increases the pressure and as a result, our heart beats faster and even more amount of blood is required to pump which is not favorable to someone with a weak heart. We cannot do anything about the climate and hence taking precautions is the best way to tackle the trouble.”

“Most of us are worried about high blood pressure and blood thickening but plaque ruptures are bigger culprits here. Smooth muscle cells in the walls arterioles and arteries contract becoming tough, and this increases the risk of a heart attack, he added.”

Below are the precautions listed by the doctor:

• Regularly check your blood pressure and get in touch with the nearest healthcare provider as soon as any symptoms are witnessed
• Stay warm and avoid stepping out in extremely low temperatures, especially early morning walks are a big no
• Maintain regular indoor physical activities and a healthy diet that further helps you maintain your blood pressure or deal with any issues in winters
• Do not exert yourself too much. It can result in heart attacks, heart failure, and fatal outcomes
• Avoid fatty, fried, sweet foods with high cholesterol levels.
• If you have any existing medical conditions, keep a close watch and maintain any treatment or medication
• Avoid OTC pills and any self-treatment habit
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption