winter The risk of heart problems increases this season. This happens because the heart has to work harder to keep the body warm in cold weather. This can be more dangerous for those who already have heart disease or heart health problems.
According to a study published in the journal Public Library of Science, the risk of heart attack due to cold increases by 31% in those who already have heart disease. The heart therefore needs extra care during the cold months.
So, today in Sehatnama we will talk about how to take care of your heart in winter. You will also learn that-
Why are heart problems more common during the cold season? What types of heart problems can occur in winter? What precautions should you take to take care of your heart in winter?
Every year, 2 million deaths occur due to heart disease worldwide.
According to the World Heart Federation, more than 2 million people die each year from heart problems around the world. This means that every 1.5 seconds, someone dies due to heart disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart problems are the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2019, around 1.79 crore people died due to this. 85% of these deaths were due to heart attack or stroke.
According to a study published in the Journal of American Heart Association, in 2016, the number of people suffering from heart diseases in India was 5.4 million. This figure increases from year to year.
Most heart attacks occur in December
An important study was published in the British Medical Journal in 2018. In this study, heart attack cases that occurred in Sweden during the 16 years between 1998 and 2013 were studied. Researchers found that every year during the winter season, cases of heart attacks increased by 15%. On December 24, Christmas Eve alone, the number of heart attacks increased by 37%.
A study was published in 2004 in the journal “Circulation” of the American Heart Association. This study indicates that there are not as many deaths from heart attacks in America throughout the year as on December 25 alone. Then, the highest number of deaths from heart attacks is recorded on December 26 and then on January 1.
Why do heart problems increase in cold weather?
In winter, the heart has to work twice as hard to pump oxygen throughout the body. The arteries contract due to the cold. Because of this, blood flow slows down and the heart muscles receive less oxygen. In such a situation, the risk of stroke or heart attack is higher.
Apart from this, as the temperature drops, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body start to increase. This increases the risk of heart attack. Who is most at risk of heart attack in winter, see the graph below:
These heart problems can occur in winter
Many types of heart problems can occur with a cold. These include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure and cardiac arrest. Under what conditions there may be a risk of heart attack in cold weather, understand from the indicators below:
Running or walking quickly in cold weather can cause fatigue. This increases the heart’s need for oxygen. In such a situation, the risk of heart attack increases due to lack of oxygen. People with heart disease should avoid outdoor activities in cold weather. The risk of seasonal flu increases in winter. If a person’s heart is already weak, even a simple flu or seasonal fever can increase the workload on their heart. The body will need more oxygen and the heart will have to work harder. It is important to wear woolen clothes to keep the body warm in winter. But during training, do not wear too thick warm clothes. During this time, heat leaves the body.
Apart from this, two other serious heart diseases can occur in winter. See below-
hypothermia
This is a medical condition in which the body loses heat faster than it produces it. Due to hypothermia, the body temperature drops below normal, which is 98.6 Fahrenheit (37°C).
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, excessive sleeping and slurred speech. If not treated immediately, hypothermia can be fatal. People who already have heart disease may be at higher risk. If someone has hypothermia, take them to a warm place and protect them from the wind. Be sure to seek medical advice.
angina
Angina is a coronary heart disease. Anyone can fall victim to it due to slow blood circulation in winter. Its symptoms include chest pain, restlessness, stiffness, sweating and shortness of breath. These symptoms can vary from person to person and last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Symptoms of angina can appear when your heart has to work harder and doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can happen when a person is working too hard physically, is emotionally upset, or is on a heavy diet. Sometimes this situation can be dangerous. Therefore, in such a condition, definitely follow the advice of a doctor.
Take care of your heart like this in winter
As we have learned through numerous studies, research and examples, the winter season can be dangerous for the heart. But the question is how to protect yourself from this danger.
For this, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to eating habits and health rules, get enough sleep, avoid cigarettes and alcohol and exercise regularly. Apart from that, see details in the chart below.
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