Dr Arvind Kohli
kohli_arvind@yahoo.com
Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” .Winter vibes suggest Cold Air, Slow mornings, Reading good books with warm cup of tea, quite mind and inherent immunity boost up. Winter brings with it a range of challenges for heart health, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The drop in temperature significantly impacts heart function, making it critical for patients and caregivers to stay vigilant.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Heart Health?
Cold weather can put stress on the cardiovascular system. When temperatures drop, the body works harder to maintain its temperature. This involves:
Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels narrow to conserve heat, increasing blood pressure. This can put undue strain on the heart, particularly for individuals with hypertension or coronary artery disease.
Increased Heart Rate: The heart beats faster to circulate blood efficiently and keep the body warm.
Thicker Blood: Cold weather can make blood more viscous, elevating the risk of clots.
Respiratory Strain: Breathing in cold air may irritate the lungs, leading to a drop in oxygen supply to the heart These physiological changes increase the workload on the heart and can trigger cardiac events.. The cold can also cause changes to blood rheology that may increase the risk of developing blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack or Brain stroke. It has been noticed that there is an increase in heart attacks by around 50% during the harsh season. One should be aware ofCold-Induced Plaque Rupture because of Low temperatures which can destabilize arterial plaques, leading to blockages and heart attacks A statistically significant positive correlation was also found between both air pressure and humidity and the incidence of PE.(Pulmonary Embolism] Another worrying aspect is Seasonal Infections like the flu or lung infections which can can cause inflammation, further increasing cardiovascular risks.
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms in Winter
Heart attack symptoms can often be overlooked or misattributed, especially in winter when cold-related issues can mask warning signs. Early recognition is vital. Below are common symptoms:
Severe Chest Pain A crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest is the hallmark symptom of a heart attack. This pain may radiate to other parts of the body. Experiencing chest pain in winter should never be dismissed, especially if it persists.
Nausea or Vomiting Some individuals, particularly women, may experience nausea or even vomiting during a heart attack.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness Reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to feelings of faintness or dizziness.
Shortness of Breath Difficulty in breathing may occur as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Pain, Numbness, or Tingling in Your Jaw, Back, Neck, or Shoulders
These atypical symptoms are more common in women and can easily be mistaken for musculoskeletal issues.
Cold Sweat Breaking out in a sudden, clammy sweat is a red flag that should not be ignored.
Sensation of Heartburn Chest pain resembling heartburn can be a warning sign of a heart attack, particularly if it’s persistent and not relieved by antacids.
Sudden Fatigue Unexplained fatigue, especially if it’s severe or combined with other symptoms, can indicate a heart attack.
What should heart patients keep in mind?
For those already suffering from heart-related issues, the danger having a cardiovascular event is more imminent. The heart must work more to maintain a balance in temperatures and since oxygen requirements surge, it can trigger heart attack in severe cases .
In addition Patients diagnosed with poor heart function pose a more severe risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs; this can cause issues where the person may find it hard to breathe normally. Also, since respiratory illnesses are pretty common during this period, they can put more stress by increasing the overall heart rate for more oxygen
Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy
Its important to keep the body warm by wearing sweaters, jackets, and warmers to help the body regulate body temperature more effectively.
It is essential to refrain from excessive intake of alcohol or smoking.
In winters, people crave for cholesterol-rich foods that can hamper heart health; a balanced diet should be taken.
it is vital to monitor all factors that can hinder body’s functions and aggravate cardiac issues. like control of diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
Avoid walks during chilly mornings,
Cold mornings without sun are not the best time to have a walk for heart patients. Blood pressure can naturally spike in mornings which holds a greater risk of heart attack. It is also advisable to take walks during evenings in the mild sun. One should also take break during the walks. however it is essential to get some vitamin D naturally so whenever possible enjoy the mellow sunshine of winter
Stick to your exercise routine
Cold weathers tend to make one lethargic. However, it is necessary to stick to your regular exercise routine without changing it. Making changes in your exercise can cause disharmony in the natural rhythm of the body and can affect heart.But it is important to select the best time for your workouts It is also important to warm-up before working out to avoid stressing
Regular Medication and Nutrition
It is important to indulge in healthy food and avoid fried food especially during winters. It is also vital to eat the meals at regular time and not go hungry. berries, flaxseeds, nuts, dark chocolate, legumes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and veggies like spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers, broccoli are some of the foods that are good for the heart.
Its advisable to reduce extra intake of salt, which gets accumulated in the body due to less sweating. This puts extra load on the heart.
Similarly, it is important to take the right kind of medications and not to skip them especially rheology regulators
Also, don’t forget to drink water to maintain proper hydration
DeStressing
Stressing and winter are not a good combination for your heart. It is important for heart patients to avoid stressful situations at any given time, but this becomes extremely important during winter. Whether it is work stress or personal problems, it is important to deal with things positively and stay happy.
Advice for good winter Vibes
Cold weather can increase risk of cardiovascular events Everyone should be aware of the importance of regular physical activity and keeping one self warm. .One of the best things one can do for your heart this winter is to follow up with your primary care physician, cardiologist, or other medical provider to assess your personal risk of heart issues. Winter may bring unique risks, but with the right strategies, you can keep your blood pressure under control. By staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, and following your prescribed medications, you can ensure a healthier winter season.
Take proactive steps today to protect your heart and enjoy a safe, happy winter.
(The author is CTVS Consultant at Swami Vivekanand Medical Mission Hospital)
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