The heart is the most important organ of the human body. Which is why one should always take care of it, especially during the winter months. Winter in India brings a welcome relief from the intense summer heat, but it also presents unique challenges, especially for heart health.
It is a fact that cold weather can put extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders such as heart attacks and strokes. However, the good news is that just adopting some simple preventive measures can help safeguard one’s cardiovascular well-being in winter.
Winter, and the attendant chill, has certain effects on the heart that need to be kept in mind to maintain its health. Let’s take a look at some of the effects it has:
Blood Pressure Changes: As temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. This can put additional stress on the heart.
Increased Heart Rate: Cold weather causes the body to work harder to maintain warmth, which can increase heart rate and raise the heart’s workload. For individuals with weakened hearts, this can be risky.
Higher Risk of Blood Clots: When it’s cold, blood tends to become thicker and more prone to clotting. This increases the risk of blockages in the arteries, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Decreased Physical Activity: Not wanting to venture out, many people tend to exercise less in winter, leading to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of heart disease.
Air Pollution: A sad but true occurrence in winter is that in some regions, winter also coincide with high levels of air pollution, particularly in cities like Delhi. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM 2.5) can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
As mentioned earlier, a few precautions and measures go a long way to keeping the heart healthy in winter. Here are a few that make a huge difference:
Dress warmly: Dressing in layers can prevent your body from undergoing sudden temperature changes. Cold weather can trigger a sudden increase in blood pressure, so wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm clothing can keep your body temperature stable and protect your heart.
Keep your home warm: It makes sense to keep the living space warm in winter. This reduces the strain on your heart. However, avoid using space heaters or heating methods that could cause poor ventilation or fire hazards.
Monitor Blood Pressure: Cold weather can increase blood pressure. Regular monitoring is crucial, especially for those with hypertension or heart disease.
Stay Physically Active: The benefits of exercise are known to everyone. Exercise is essential for heart health, but people often slack in winter as it’s cold outside. The solution is to opt for indoor workouts, like yoga, walking on a treadmill, or even dancing. Staying active helps improve circulation, manage cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight.
Maintain a heart-healthy diet: It’s important to focus on a heart-healthy diet in winter. Include seasonal vegetables like carrots, spinach, and beets in your meals, along with nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Avoid excessive consumption of fried and sugary foods, as they can increase cholesterol and contribute to weight gain.
Manage Stress: Stress, in any season, is not good and can affect heart health. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or spending time with loved ones to keep stress levels in check.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen supply to the heart, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. It is advisable to limit both during the colder months.
In winter, it makes sense to be vigilant when it comes to heart health. By taking a few simple precautions one can help ensure that the heart remains strong throughout the colder months.
Neotia Mediplus OPD & Diagnostics Clinic (A Unit of PARK HOSPITALS)
CIN : U85110WB1990NPL049713
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