In wintertime, temperature fluctuation may have unanticipated effects on health, particularly on the heart. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to comprehend the cause and methods for protecting the heart in this weather. ‘Let's explore why heart attacks are more prevalent in  winter and how to prevent them with the valuable information shared by the top heart surgeon in Delhi.’, Dr. Sujay Shad practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of the best heart hospitals in India.

Are heart attacks common during  winter?

Cold causes constriction of blood vessels. As a result, the risk of stroke and heart attack may also increase. The narrowing of coronary arteries during the winter might exacerbate angina or chest pain caused by coronary heart disease.

The heart works harder to maintain a normal body temperature when it is chilly outdoors. Because winter winds cause the body to lose heat more rapidly, they may exacerbate the condition. If the body temperature dips below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia may injure the heart muscle.

Due to elevated blood pressure, the coronary arteries may constrict, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart and its muscles. The consequence may be a heart attack.

In winter season, the human body perspires more compared to summer, as a result increasing the blood volume. The increased fluid retention in the body causes higher blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack.

Cold weather influences people's behavior. Weight gain and less physical activity are two examples. These two factors raise the probability of developing issues that could lead to a heart attack. In addition, individuals may consume more food, exacerbating the weight gain issue.

The decrease in solar exposure is an additional major effect. This decreased exposure to sunlight could lead to Vitamin D insufficiency if people spend more time indoors or if certain regions receive less sunlight. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases.

How to maintain a healthy heart throughout the winter?

As with the majority of illnesses, there are preventative actions one can take to reduce the disease risk. Similarly, various corrective and preventative measures can assist in reducing the incidence of heart attacks during the winter.

Follow these steps to improve heart health:

•   Eat well during winter. Avoid fried, greasy, sugary, and cholesterol-rich foods, as they can increase the risk of getting heart disease.
•   The most important thing is to be warm. If one is prone to cold conditions, wear-in sufficient layers to keep the body warm.
•   Maintain physical activity throughout the winter, even if it seems difficult. It is not necessary to exercise outside. Yoga, dancing, light aerobics, home workouts, and meditation can all be performed indoors. Regular activity maintains fitness and keeps the body warm.
•   Avoid exceeding the bounds. If one has heart problems, one should avoid strenuous labor and take short time between jobs.
•   Abstain from excessive alcohol consumption.
•   Maintain a close watch on medical concerns such as kidney, cardiovascular, and blood pressure difficulties. These conditions raise the chance of developing cardiac issues if left untreated.
•   Quit smoking since it increases the chance of acquiring heart problems.
•   Consume hot foods in chilly weather to keep the body warm.
•   Those with heart problems should avoid sudden cold strokes by being indoors on chilly days.
•   Remember these tips if one wishes to keep a healthy heart throughout the winter and beyond.

For more valuable insight on heart health and if one is experiencing any issues related to their heart, they can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi.