Winter poses many risks for patients with existing Cardiovascular diseases. As cold weather reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, patients are more prone to sudden heart attack. http://rbh.ckbirlahospitals.com

1. Save yourself from sudden cardiac arrest this
winter
Winter poses many risks for patients with existing Cardiovascular diseases. As cold weather
reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, patients are more prone to sudden
heart attack. Research shows there are up to 50% more occurrence of heart attack during the
winter season as compared to summers, especially during the month of January & February.
Most heart attacks happen due to physical exertion and other physical activities. Even walking or
running can cause some strain to the heart. If someone is already suffering from any heart
disorder, then he/she must consult a physician to know the exact signs and symptoms of heart
attack.
It is essential to know the reasons of heart problems during winter :
 The body responds to the cold by constricting superficial blood vessels, which decreases
thermal conduction in the skin and subsequently increases arterial blood pressure.
 Clamped blood vessels often lead to shivering and increased heart rate, which raise the
metabolic rate and in turn increase the body temperature. While majority of healthy
people can tolerate it, people with Atherosclerotic plaques in their coronary arteries may
suffer from a heart attack.
 Respiratory tract infections and Influenza also cause heart attack as they increase
pressure on the heart thus prompting cardiac problems
 Detrimental behavioral changes related to winter that affects the heart, such as drinking,
smoking, overeating, sudden physical exertion and not exercising regularly.
 During the holiday season one must go easy on high-fat goodies and alcohol at parties,
which may easily contribute to the spike in holiday heart attacks.
 With no sweating in the icy temperature, the extra water gets accumulated in lungs
leading to symptoms of heart failure
Steps for Prevention:
 People with weak heart should be particularly careful during winter season. Though they
must continue to exercise regularly, they should also modify their timings in order to
avoid extreme weather during early mornings or late evenings.
 Salt & water intake should be controlled by patients with decreased heart function
condition, as there is no loss of either salt or water due to minimum or no sweating

2.  Regular monitoring of blood pressure is must. High BP is often an indication of heart
attack.
 Avoiding infections is another important aspect of prevention. Before the onset of cold
season, influenza & pneumonia vaccines should be taken in order to protect oneself from
chest infections. If one is already suffering from chest infection, then immediate
treatment by a doctor is recommended
 Never skip your prescribed medication. Don’t skip your routine check-ups. In case of
chest pain or breathlessness immediately consult a cardiologist
 Don’t give into the temptation of alcohol because it may increase heart rate & ultimately
heart problems in form of Atrial Fibrillation which lead to heart failure or even heart
attack
 Eliminate bad habits like smoking during winter season. Smoking lets the blood flow into
narrowed arteries which causes high shear stress. Additionally, harmful chemicals in
tobacco products will have more chances of triggering plaque rupture & acute heart
attack
 Consulting a physician before and after the winter season is must. Always keep a supply
of prescribe medicines at home
Authored by Dr. Rudradev Pandey -Sr. Consultant, Department of Cardiology
Website : http://rbh.ckbirlahospitals.com