Ways to Avoid Heart Attacks in Cold Weather: The biting cold and plummeting temperatures in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have created a serious situation for healthcare services. Local hospitals, particularly the cardiology department, have seen a sudden and significant surge in the number of patients. According to statistics, 1123 patients were examined in the OPD (Outpatient Department) last Monday, of whom 82 critically ill patients with symptoms of a heart attack had to be admitted immediately.

Tragically, seven patients were "brought dead," meaning they had already passed away before reaching the hospital. The situation remained dire on Tuesday as well, with 869 patients examined and 45 admitted, including 13 patients who had suffered brain strokes. Six more patients died before reaching the hospital on Tuesday.

This situation clearly demonstrates that the risk to the heart and brain increases significantly in extreme cold due to the constriction of blood vessels and a rise in blood pressure. According to health experts, the root cause of this situation is certain careless habits during the cold weather, which everyone should be aware of and take precautions against.

Lack of Adequate Clothing and Direct Exposure to Cold

The biggest mistake in extreme cold is not covering the body completely and being directly exposed to the cold air (cold wave) in the mornings and evenings. Many people leave their heads, ears, and feet uncovered, even though most of the body's heat is lost through these parts.

When cold air directly hits the body, the blood vessels constrict rapidly. This slows down blood flow, forcing the heart to work twice as hard to pump blood to the body's organs, which can lead to a sudden heart attack.

Taking Cold Showers and Exercising Early in the Morning

In winter, taking a cold shower early in the morning or suddenly going out into a cold environment significantly increases the risk of a brain stroke. Sudden temperature changes cause a spike in blood pressure, which can cause the delicate blood vessels in the brain to rupture or a blood clot to form. In addition, performing strenuous exercise in extreme cold without warming up also puts extra strain on the heart. Heart patients should only go for walks after the sun has risen.

Poor diet and insufficient water intake

In cold weather, people feel less thirsty, leading them to drink less water. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, increasing the risk of blood clots. Furthermore, increased consumption of salty and fatty foods during winter also raises blood pressure and cholesterol. For those who already have high blood pressure or diabetes, this negligence can be fatal, as thickened blood cannot flow easily through the arteries.

Do not ignore the symptoms.

The "golden hour" (the first hour) is crucial in cases of heart attack and stroke. If you experience chest tightness, sweating, pain in the left arm or jaw, sudden slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body, do not dismiss it as a common cold and waste time on home remedies. In such a situation, immediately go to the nearest hospital's emergency department. Timely medical assistance can not only save the patient's life but also prevent future disability.

PC Social Media