Contributed by -Healthians Team
Ever wondered why the cases of heart attack increase during winter months? Though, heart attacks can occur in any season, why is it that winters are called ‘heart attack season’?
Well, the reason behind is a mismatch between the supply and demand of oxygen. Our heart has to work harder to keep the body warm and needs more oxygen for that but due to dropped temperatures, the supply gets hampered. This mismatch sets you up for a heart attack.
Those who already have some kind of cardiovascular disease are especially at risk as their symptoms can worsen. This calls for you to take special precautions in the winter months to avoid any mishap. In this article, let us see what you can do to stay safe.
Don’t over-exert yourself
Winter, sometimes, forces us to over-exert ourselves. Lifting heavy weights and climbing too many stairs are two such situations where we unknowingly over-exert ourselves. Due to this exertion, the heart increases its demand for oxygen. Now, if there’s already a blockage in the blood vessels, the sufficient amount of oxygen will not reach the heart. The only solution here is not to over-exert yourself when it’s cold outside. For that, you may also have to pay extra attention to the kind of activities you do.
Limit cold exposure
When you are suddenly exposed to cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict, hindering the flow of blood and oxygen supply. So, never step out without wearing proper clothes to keep you warm. Dressing in thin layers is always better than wearing one thick layer. Also, don’t forget to put on a cap to cover your head and ears. Keep your hands warm with gloves and wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth and nose to breathe in warmer air.
[Also read – 7 easy tips to keep blood pressure under control in winters]
Avoid getting overheated
While it is important to stay warm in winters, it is also important to not get overheated. Overheating usually happens when you do some kind of physical activity. Since the layer of warm clothes prevents the heat from escaping, your body gets overheated. As a result, your blood vessels expand which in turn causes the blood pressure to dramatically decrease. And when there’s a drop in blood pressure, there’s also a drop in the amount of oxygen reaching the heart. To prevent this from happening, you should dress in layers and as you start feeling hot, remove a layer until you cool down. Or simply take a break.
Prevent flu
Seasonal flu is yet another risk for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The fever that comes with the flu makes your heart beat faster which increases oxygen demand. It also causes dehydration which leads to decreased blood pressure, lowering the oxygen supply. This higher oxygen demand and lower supply can bring about a heart attack. Getting a flu shot and regularly washing hands and using a sanitiser is recommended to prevent flu. And if you happen to notice any flu-like symptoms, get in touch with your doctor who might ask you to take anti-viral medication.
[Also read – 5 ways to improve immunity this winter season]Don’t miss your prescriptions
Winter sure makes all of us lazy. In addition, the icy weather can keep you from visiting the doctor for follow up appointments and getting the prescriptions refilled on time. But, if you do not take your medications as prescribed and blood pressure goes out of control, you will only end up inviting a heart attack. So, it’s better to maintain a good supply of your medications in winter. And try to stay in touch with your doctor over the phone if you want to avoid stepping out in the cold.
Cold weather can take a toll on your health if you already have cardiovascular diseases. The added stress is another factor that you will have to manage. Make sure that you follow these precautions and do your best to avoid any complications this season. Besides, stay in touch with a doctor and keep an eye on your health with regular health checkups.
