The winters are quite undoubtedly here, and are more severe this time around. Often we concentrate on staying warm and keeping common infections at bay during this season, but there is more to staying healthy this winter season. According to Dr Vanita Arora, Associate Director and Head, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab and Arrhythmia Services, Max Hospital, winter is the most vulnerable time for patients with heart disease. She says, ‘People become more prone to heart attacks in winters. That is because the arteries that arise from the aorta become constricted with a fall in temperatures, as a result of which the heart has to put more effort to pump blood. This makes the heart stress out and leads to a heart attack. It is more risky for those who do not have any inkling about pre-existing heart conditions. It is therefore very essential that you keep a constant check on your cardiovascular risk factors during these months’
Wondering how you can protect yourself from suffering a cardiac arrest in the winters? Here are nine tips to keep the condition at bay:
Tip 1: Give your heart a break
Cholesterol levels fluctuate significantly with a change in seasons, and during the winters, your cholesterol levels are likely to be higher than normal. If you suffer from borderline high cholesterol, you are at a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases during the winter months. Therefore it is essential that, apart from managing cholesterol levels, you avoid stressing out your heart which bears the brunt of high cholesterol levels.
Tip 2: Slow down
Do not overdo things and avoid exhausting yourself. Give yourself some rest and take frequent breaks so that you do not overstress your heart; even if that means altering your otherwise intense workout regime.
Tip 3: Walk in the sun
Avoid going for a walk in the morning on extreme chilly days. Instead you can go for a walk in the evening when it is still sunny.
Tip 4: Eat little, frequently
During the winters people end up eating more than they are normally used to. Eating a large meal at one go can put an extra load on your heart. Rather, eat small meals at regular intervals.
Tip 5: Avoid alcohol
Most people tend to drink alcohol in the winters thinking that it will help them stay warm. But, too much alcohol can cause atrial fibrillation and Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats. If you must drink, do so in moderation.
Tip 6: Be prepared
Keep emergency pills at hand that will help resolve any complaints of breathlessness or chest pain. Pills like sorbitrate help prevent chest pain and act as an emergency pill in the case of a heart attack. But, before you buy the pill make sure you buy and use these pills only after consulting a doctor.
Tip 7: Keep warm
Hypothermia is one of the leading causes of death during the winters and heart failure is most often why a person dies while suffering from the condition. Therefore, keep hypothermia at bay by staying warm. Wear layers of warm clothes, bathe in hot water only and stay indoors as often as possible.
Tip 8: Don’t ignore the signs
Never ignore any discomfort in the chest, severe sweating, shortness of breath and pain in the neck, arms, jaws and shoulders. All these symptoms are indicators of a heart attack, and you must visit a doctor immediately.
Tip 9: Get regular check-ups
If you have any chronic health condition, especially heart disease, regular check-ups are always advisable. It can help pre-empt any serious health conditions at a latent stage making treatment much easier.
Read More: - http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/9-expert-tips-to-prevent-heart-attacks-in-the-winter/
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