Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 8: Highlighting linkage between seasonal shifts and escalation in cardiac episodes, Dr. Sushil Sharma HoD Cardiology GMC Jammu today conducted a day long camp with the residents of Dai Chack village of Marh area.
“Cold weather can increase blood pressure and raise cholesterol levels, both augments conditions for heart attack. It can also make blood more likely to form heart-threatening clots. Cold temperature causes arteries to tighten, restricting blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to the heart, all of which can set the stage for cardiac events. In cold weather, there is more oxygen demand by the heart because heart works harder to do the work to maintain body heat. The heart attacks and complication occur more frequently in the morning hours. Studies suggest increase in heart attacks in the coldest months of the year compared with the warmest. Winter weather, studies suggest, may be especially risky for your heart if you’ve already had a heart attack, have heart disease, or are older than 65,” he said.
Dr Sharma said a number of silent, seasonal cardiovascular changes may explain the increase in heart attacks.
“As temperatures drop, your blood vessels tighten and blood flow speeds up to help you stay warm. That’s why your blood pressure is often higher in colder seasons. Cholesterol levels appear to rise in midwinter, too. Although it is impossible to control these seasonal shifts but there is a common knowledge that best winter heart-protection strategy is a simple one i.e., stay warm. Wearing layers of clothing so that it traps the body heat inside and helps in staying warm. Don’t forget to cover your head, hands and feet. It becomes especially important when you’re exerting yourself outdoors. Try some light physical activity when the temperature is optimum and desired. Expose yourself to exercise only after necessary acclimatisation. In addition, people who are already on medications for hypertension and other cardiac ailments should not skip the prescribed dosage. Most importantly, stay alert to the often subtle signs that you might be having one,” Dr Sharma said.
Others, who were part of this humane effort, included, Dr. Nasir Ali Choudhary (Cardiologist) and Dr Dhaneshwar Kapoor. Paramedics and Volunteers who were part of the team included Raghav Rajput, Gourav Heera, Rohit Khajuria, Aman Gupta, Akshay Kumar, Anmol Singh, Sandeep Kohli, Suresh Baigra, Amandeep Singh and Raj Kumar.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
