The cases of heart disease have been increasing rapidly in the last few years. Especially after the Corona epidemic, fatal problems like heart attack-cardiac arrest are being reported more. The serious thing is that not only heart diseases are being diagnosed in young people, but cases of death due to heart attack are also being reported.
Given the increasing risks, the Health Ministry also cautioned the people and said that those who have been victims of coronavirus infection need to be especially cautious regarding heart health.
Health experts say, this winter season is considered even more challenging for the heart, people who already have heart problems need to take special precautions in this season. Cold weather can increase your risk of heart and circulatory problems such as heart attack and stroke. But let us know how the weather affects heart health and what preventive measures can be taken.
Heart-related problems in cold weather
Scientists at University College London, studying the health records of people over the age of 60 in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, found that the risk of having a heart attack and stroke more than doubles during the cold.
Our heart and blood vessels are always adjusting to the environment to maintain blood flow so that different parts of the body get the oxygen and nutrients they need. During cold days, our nervous system overactivates many organs to prevent the body temperature from falling.
Blood vessels become narrow
As the cold increases, the blood vessels narrow to regulate body temperature. But this narrowing (called 'vasoconstriction') creates more pressure on the rest of the circulation, meaning the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. In this condition, the heart rate and blood pressure increase.
This is a normal reaction to cold, but it can cause cardiovascular symptoms in people who already have the disease. This is why it is advised to pay special attention to heart health in winter.
Protection from cold is necessary
The lower the average temperature of our environment, the greater the risk of increased cholesterol and blood pressure, the researchers said. This can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Therefore, it is important to be more careful during this time. Even if you do not already have heart problems, caution is still necessary in cold weather.
Stay indoors when it's cold, wear warm clothes if you are going out. Keep your head and hands well covered. It is very important to protect the body from cold.
Pay special attention to these things also
Apart from protection from cold, keep in mind the nutritional value of the diet and regular exercise. This is important to keep the heart healthy and keep blood circulation better. Apart from this, most importantly, avoid alcohol and smoking. The habit of smoking can be quite problematic for the blood vessels and heart. This is one of the main factors that increases your risk of heart attack.
(PC: iStock)
