Heart attack early in the morning during the winter season has now become a common problem. There has been a sudden increase in these cases for some time now. Statistics of hospitals show that during winter days, especially between 5 am and 10 am, more patients come with heart related problems.
According to experts, the reason for this could be extreme cold, contraction of blood vessels and sudden hormonal changes in the body.
Extreme cold is putting pressure on heart
Experts say that as soon as we come in contact with cold, our body starts trying to keep itself warm. The heart has to work harder in this process. Due to cold, both heartbeat and blood pressure can increase, which puts additional pressure on our heart.
What do experts say?
Dr. Sukriti Bhalla, senior cardiologist, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, says, “The temperature is lowest in winter mornings. At this time, the heart has to work harder to maintain adequate blood circulation in the body, which increases the risk of heart attack.”
Shrinking of blood vessels in cold is also a reason
In cold weather the blood vessels shrink. Due to this, blood flow in the body gets disrupted and blood pressure increases. This situation can prove to be very dangerous for people who already have problems with blockage in their arteries. These people are more vulnerable to heart attack.
Sudden change in BP heart rate
In the morning, the level of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin increases in the body. These hormones suddenly increase the heart rate, blood pressure. This effect increases in cold weather, which causes sudden pressure on the heart.
How does heart attack occur in winter?
According to cardiologists, leaving the bed suddenly after waking up in the morning, taking bath with cold water or doing physical exertion without warming up increases the risk of heart attack.
Which people are at greater risk?
According to health experts, people with high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smokers who have previously suffered a heart attack. They are more at risk of having a heart attack in the early morning. Elderly people also need to take special precautions during the winter season. They may also have such problems.
How to prevent heart attack in winter?
According to the doctor, some important precautions should be taken in the morning. As-
- Do not get up from bed suddenly in the morning, first sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Wear warm clothes to protect yourself from cold.
- Do not take bath with cold water in the morning.
- Get your blood pressure and sugar checked regularly.
- Walk or exercise only after light stretching.
Doctor Bhalla tells that if we want to keep our heart healthy in winter or any other season, then we should follow a better lifestyle than medicines.