High Risk of Cardiac Cases During Winters and How to Prevent It?

We often associate winters with fever, cold, viral infections and respiratory diseases. But did you know drop in temperature can adversely affect heart health too? Yes. Lower temperatures increase the risk of all cardiovascular diseases. People with existing heart conditions are at higher risk during this season. These heart problems are caused by several factors like air pressure, low temperature, wind, and humidity. 

During the winter season, the heart muscle will experience a decrease in supply of oxygen-rich blood. As a result, your heart will demand more oxygen-rich blood for better working. This conflict of supply and demand of oxygen-rich blood causes heart attacks. Similarly your heart works harder during the winter season to keep your body warm and this can damage your heart muscles. 

Heart attacks usually show several visible signs and symptoms. Below are a few common ones. Always stay alert around heart patients and instantly seek medical attention in case you or your loved ones experience these symptoms.

• Pain and discomfort in chest
• Pain in the body, especially in left arm
• Cold sweat
• Nausea and dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

If you are experiencing any or all of the symptoms, there are high chances that you might be having a heart attack. Heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases are preventable to an extent. Below are a few tips for the heart patients and to the ones who would like to take preventive measures against heart diseases. These tips might help in preventing cardiac cases or alleviate the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Try to stay warm by using warm clothes and limiting your exposure to cold weather.
• Stay physically active. Don’t skip your exercise. If you don’t exercise regularly, start an exercise regime. 
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Manage your stress.
• Don’t miss health checkups.

Winter might look like a scary season for heart patients and people with other underlying diseases. However, following a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a proper diet, drinking enough water, and sleeping and exercising well, reduce the risk of cardiac ailments and keep you safe from many other winter-related diseases. It is also important to get expert medical guidance if you experience any kinds of symptoms or signs during this season. 

Specialist Hospital is one of the best cardiac hospitals in Bangalore. Our expert cardiologists will help guide you through your queries, questions to help you navigate the complexity of your health conditions.