Why do heart attack cases increase in winter? Experts explain
Why do heart attack cases increase in winter? Experts explain When the temperature drops, our bodies respond to it by narrowing the blood vessels to conserve heat. This event leads to a heart attack in a person with cardiac issues. This increased strain on the heart is a major reason why heart attacks come in winter, especially for those with existing heart conditions. Consider these statistics: For every 1°C drop in temperature, the risk of heart attack increases by 2% Heart-related deaths are 26-36% higher in winter compared to summer. How To Care For Your Heart In Winters How to Stay Safe Winter is the time for celebrations and fun activities – but not for your heart! Besides the common cold and flu, the winters bring several possible threats to heart patients, which may even turn fatal. How Does the Cold Weather Affect Your Heart? In winter, your heart has to work twice as hard to pump oxygen throughout the body to keep you warm while the cold temperature causes the arteries to constrict, thus restricting the flow of blood and reducing the supply of oxygen to the heart muscles. Due to this, the chances of developing blood clots and having a stroke or heart attack are higher during winter. Besides, as the temperature starts to fall, your blood pressure and cholesterol levels start shooting up, thus putting you at an increased risk of a heart attack. Here are a few instances where a person may be exposed to a host of cardiovascular ailments: Overexertion Going for a run or brisk walking in harsh, cold weather can cause exertion, thereby increasing the demand for oxygen to the heart. People with an arterial blockage may not be conditioned for such strenuous outdoor activities. Exposure to Cold Sudden exposure to the cold can cause the blood vessels to clamp down, blocking the flow of blood and causing the skin to turn blue due to the sharp drop in oxygen levels. A person in this situation is known to be having a vasospastic attack. Overheating While dressing in warm clothes is important to keep your body heated in winter, try avoiding performing vigorous exercises in heavy, warm clothing. This is important because your body will need to release the heat when you are overheated. Too much warm clothing can prevent that from happening and cause the blood vessels to dilate. This may lower your blood pressure drastically, triggering a heart attack. Influenza Seasonal flu can also lead to a heart attack in patients at risk. Fever due to the flu makes your heart beat rapidly, thus increasing oxygen demand. Your blood pressure may also drop below normal due to dehydration, which again, reduces oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The lack of supply of oxygenated blood can cause a heart attack in winter.
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Er.M.A. Shakeel
Senior Journalist,Social and Political activist Sportsman,Singer.District VicePresident Human Right Council of India.
