Cold Wave Is Here - Why Your Risk of Heart Attack Just Went Up

While

the winter chill brings in the much-needed relief from hot and sultry weather, it has its own share of health challenges, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. According to doctors, the drop in temperature significantly impacts the functioning of the heart, making it extremely difficult for patients and caregivers to stay vigilant. Experts warn that the drop in temperature over a short period is dangerous to health.

Why are you at risk of a heart attack in cold weather?

Doctors say that as the temperature begins to fall, your body starts to narrow peripheral blood vessels to preserve heat. It then starts to stress the cardiovascular system as your body has to work harder to maintain its temperature. It involves:

Vasoconstriction

This happens when the blood vessels narrow to conserve heat, which increases your blood pressure levels.

Increased heart rate

Your heart begins to beat faster so that it can circulate blood efficiently and keep your body warm.

Thickens blood

Cold weather makes your 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. Another big reason for increasing heart attacks in winter, according to experts, is due to the fact that most people prefer to sleep longer rather than indulge in regular exercises or even daily walks. Additionally, many are more prone to eating fatty foods for comfort and consuming more alcohol. These unhealthy habits trigger an increase in weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, in turn, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Doctors say cold snaps can also worsen pre-existing conditions, such as those with coronary stents, having a history of arrhythmia treatment, elderly diabetes patients, individuals with high LDL cholesterol levels, peripheral artery atherosclerosis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who require special caution.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack in winter?

Heart attack symptoms can often be overlooked or misattributed, especially in winter when cold-related issues can mask warning signs. A few common symptoms include:

• Severe chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Breathlessness
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in your jaw, back, neck, or shoulders
• Cold sweat
• Heartburn
• Unexplained and sudden fatigue

Critical Tips to Prevent Heart Attacks in Winter

A few things you can take care of for your heart health during the colder months include:

• While it may be difficult to exercise outdoors in the winter months, you can switch over to indoor workouts like yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and even HIIT training.
• Avoid eating foods that are loaded with saturated fats and consume a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels periodically, particularly during winter, as those with a history of hypertension need proper review
• Sedentary hours spent indoors can create silent stress due to minimal activity or the lack of it
• Always stay hydrated, despite the fact that you may not feel too thirsty in winter. Avoid dehydration, as it gets difficult for the body to remain warm, making it easier for the blood to clot.