Why does the risk of heart attack increase in winter? Learn preventive measures from the doctor

News India Live, Digital Desk: Many people like the winter season, but these cold winds can sometimes prove difficult for heart patients. Doctors say that the risk of heart attack and heart-related diseases increases significantly in winter. But why does this happen and what can we do to avoid it? Let us know about this in detail.

Why does the risk of heart attack increase in cold?

Experts say that as the temperature falls, our body reacts in certain ways to keep itself warm. This is where the risk of heart attack starts increasing.

1. Blood thickening and clotting: In winter, blood may become slightly thickened, which increases the risk of blood clots. If these clots get stuck in the veins of the heart, a heart attack can occur.
2. Hormonal changes and increased heart rate: To maintain body temperature in cold, the heart starts beating faster (heart rate increases). In the morning, due to hormonal imbalance and sudden increase in blood pressure, clotting factors like ‘fibrinogen’ increase in the blood, which increases the risk of heart attack.
3. Less physical activity and diet: In winter, people often prefer to stay indoors and reduce physical activities. Also, the intake of heavy and fatty food increases, which leads to weight gain and cholesterol can also increase. All these factors are not good for heart health.
4. Vitamin D deficiency: Due to less sunlight, the level of Vitamin D in the body can fall, which has a direct impact on the health of our heart.
5. Cold and stress: Respiratory infections like cold, cough or flu are also common in winter, which can put extra pressure on the heart. Festivals or family stress can also increase heart risk.
6. sudden thrust: Doing sudden heavy work in the cold, such as shoveling snow or exercising, can also be dangerous for the heart, especially for people who already have heart disease.

Who should be more careful?

• High blood pressure and diabetes patients.
• Elderly people should take special care because the arteries become stiff with increasing age.
• People who smoke are also at greater risk.

How to keep your heart healthy in winter?

To keep your heart healthy in winter, it is very important to keep some things in mind:

• Keep doing light exercise: To avoid cold, do not remain completely inactive. Keep doing light exercise indoors or take a walk for a while. This will ensure proper blood circulation.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eat healthy and balanced food. Avoid eating too much salt and fatty foods which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Keep the body hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can also put pressure on the heart.
• Don’t ignore the symptoms: If new or serious symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating appear, contact the doctor immediately, do not wait even during holidays.
• Get regular checkups: Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and overall heart health and keep taking your doctor’s advice.
• Early morning caution: Avoid taking a sudden bath with cold water in the morning or doing very heavy exercise. High blood pressure patients should take special precautions in the morning.

A little caution can keep your heart healthy in winter.