Srinagar, Dec 27: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has issued a public health advisory warning of a significant rise in heart-related emergencies during the winter season, urging people especially high-risk groups to take preventive measures and remain vigilant about warning signs.
According to the advisory issued by the Department of Cardiology, individuals with a history of heart disease, previous heart attack or stroke, hypertension, diabetes, kidney ailments, elderly persons, smokers, and those who suddenly increase physical activity during cold mornings are most vulnerable during winters.
The advisory stresses the importance of preventive steps, including dressing warmly with special protection to the chest, head and extremities, avoiding early-morning exposure to extreme cold, continuing prescribed heart medications without interruption, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and engaging in moderate exercise while avoiding sudden strenuous activity. People have also been advised to seek timely treatment for respiratory infections, which can trigger cardiac events.
GMC Srinagar has cautioned the public not to ignore warning symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, sudden breathlessness, excessive sweating, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, fainting, or sudden weakness, slurred speech and facial drooping, noting that delay in response can prove fatal.
The advisory underlines that most winter-related cardiac emergencies are preventable with awareness, medication adherence and early medical attention. People with heart ailments have been advised to keep emergency contact numbers handy and seek immediate care at the nearest cardiac facility if symptoms arise.
“Timely medical intervention saves lives. Waiting for symptoms to pass can have irreversible consequences,” the advisory reads. (KNC)
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