Don't let winter chill your heart
Come winter and it’s time for work-weary executives to take care of their heart. Latest research suggests that the possibility of heart attack increases by 30% during winter.
By Writankar Mukherjee, TNN |
Come winter and it’s time for work-weary executives to take care of their heart. Latest research suggests that the possibility of heart attack increases by 30% during winter. Though risks are more when ambient temperature falls below 5 degree celcius, the danger increases manifold if someone visits a cold place from relatively less chilly locations like Mumbai or Bangalore.
Medicos suggest the higher possibility of a heart attack in winter is not limited to cardiac patients, but can hit anyone. “It is not only the atmospheric temperature, but even wind which is an indication of coldness. On a windy day, cool air currents magnify heat loss from the body, thereby increasing the risks,” says Escorts Heart Institute preventive cardiology head Peeyush Jain.
Doctors suggest there are multiple reasons for rise in heart attack during winter. “In cold weather, the heart pumps harder. The heart rate and blood pressure increases on exposure to cold to provide extra oxygen to the shivering muscles. These changes increase oxygen requirements of the heart muscle, thereby increasing the risks, more so during exercise,” adds Dr Jain.
Precautions
Adopt basic prevention mechanism. “Avoid any heavy activity or outdoor exercise. More so during early morning or when there is too much fog. The exercise pace should be slowed down when the weather is extremely cold,” advises Dr Jain.
Clothing should be worn in multiple layers, with the innermost layer of cotton and then woolen.
Medicos suggest the higher possibility of a heart attack in winter is not limited to cardiac patients, but can hit anyone. “It is not only the atmospheric temperature, but even wind which is an indication of coldness. On a windy day, cool air currents magnify heat loss from the body, thereby increasing the risks,” says Escorts Heart Institute preventive cardiology head Peeyush Jain.
Doctors suggest there are multiple reasons for rise in heart attack during winter. “In cold weather, the heart pumps harder. The heart rate and blood pressure increases on exposure to cold to provide extra oxygen to the shivering muscles. These changes increase oxygen requirements of the heart muscle, thereby increasing the risks, more so during exercise,” adds Dr Jain.
Precautions
Adopt basic prevention mechanism. “Avoid any heavy activity or outdoor exercise. More so during early morning or when there is too much fog. The exercise pace should be slowed down when the weather is extremely cold,” advises Dr Jain.
Clothing should be worn in multiple layers, with the innermost layer of cotton and then woolen.
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A complete ‘NO’ to nylon windcheaters or jackets. Avoid walking against the breeze and any heavy activity after intake of food, such as brisk walking. Download
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