Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 12: Speaking on precautionary step to prevent heart attacks, Dr Paramdeep Singh Sandhu, Senior Consultant Intervention Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana and visiting Consultant at Healthline Multispecialty Clinic's, Jammu today said before you go out to shovel snow or start your new exercise routine, learn about your personal heart attack risk."
"Cold weather, being indoors more often, stress, lack of vitamin D and changes in the daylight to nighttimes ratio all play a key role in increasing a person's overall risk of cardiac problems during the winter," added Dr P S Sandhu.
Citing health journals, consultant Cardiologist said that a report published in the Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, (Decmber-2013) establishes the fact that the rate of heart disease-related deaths (as well as deaths from other causes), rises sharply betweenDecember 25th and January 7th. In fact, the death rate reaches its peak on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Dr Sandhu further added that exactly why winter is prime time for heart attack is still an evolving story, but many theories exist and possibly overlap. "Cold temperatures cause arteries to tighten, restricting blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to the heart, all of which can set the stage for a heart attack. In cold weather, there is more oxygen demand by the heart because it is working harder to do the work and maintain body heat," he added.
"In terms of preventing a heart attack this winter, 'knowledge is the greatest tool'. It's also important to watch what you eat and drink during the winter months, Dr Sandhu said.
If you have risk factors related to heart disease like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, see your doctor and make sure you are on the right regimen and treatment plan. |
