Protect your Heart in Winter
Heart patients need to take extra care in the winter. It is all the more so because medical case records show a marked increase in the incidence of cardiac failures during this time of the year By Dr Vinay Kumar Bahl
Cold weather, stress, lack of exercise, lack of vitamin D and changes in lifestyle, all play a role in increasing a person’s overall risk of heart problems during the winter. In frigid weather, our heart works hard to maintain the body temperature as the body temperature also falls due to the drop in outside temperature which results in the tightening of the arteries thereby restricting the blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to the heart and the brain. A combination of these factors can trigger cardiac complaints, especially in the elderly and heart patients.
Even as the winter starts many people get the feeling that they are going to face problems. Heart patients especially fear a lot as the winter brings with it a lot of problems for them. Hypothermia, cardiovascular diseases and heart attack are some of the major fears.
Hypothermia: Most people don’t know the potential dangers of being outdoors in cold weather. Winter sports enthusiasts who don’t take certain precautions can suffer accidental hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature falls, and it can be fatal. It happens when your body is unable to produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature at the requisite level.
Children and the elderly are at special risk because they may have limited ability to communicate or impaired mobility. The elderly people may also have lower subcutaneous fat and a diminished ability to sense temperature fall and consequently they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they’re in danger.
The symptoms of hypothermia are drop in body temperature, shivering, lack of co-ordination, slowed reactions, confusion and poor decision-making, clumsiness, slurred speech or mumbling, drowsiness or very low energy. Fatigue, cough, sneezing can put additional pressure on the patient during winter.
Children and the elderly are at special risk because they may have limited ability to communicate or impaired mobility. The elderly people may also have lower subcutaneous fat and a diminished ability to sense temperature fall and consequently they can suffer hypothermia.
Cardiovascular diseases: They are conditions which may lead to heart attack. It is also a problem faced in winter. Somewhere it affects the structure and proper functioning of the heart. The risk of angina is marked by pain or any type of discomfort in the chest. It increases with a rise in obesity and cholesterol caused by a change in lifestyle and eating habits, and exposure during winter.
The symptoms of angina also include shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed and pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.
Heart attack: There is a rise in the incidence of heart attacks in the winter. The chill of the winter leads to a greater risk, especially in those quite advanced in age. Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back, nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, fatigue, lightheadedness or sudden dizziness are some of the symptoms of an impending heart attack.
Precautions: Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing, mittens, a cap and a face cover when going outdoors to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Be extra cautious in the wind. A strong wind, even in only moderately cold weather, can cause a wind chill far below freezing. At the first sign of possible frostbite – redness or pain in any skin area – get out of the cold and protect any exposed skin. Stay as dry as possible.
Be careful about your diet. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid red meat and fatty foods and alcohol. Avoid smoking. Try to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Take a brisk walk when it is sunny. Keep a check on your cholesterol level.