KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Understand why heart problems increase in winter
- Discover common winter cardiac issues and early warning signs
- Learn the importance of good lifestyle habits and cardiologists
- Uncover treatment and prevention care
According to many studies, heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes, increases by 25-30 percent during winter. No doubt, it’s shocking and heartbreaking at the same time. Wondering why this usually happens?
In simple words, cold makes blood vessels tighten, which raises blood pressure and makes blood thicker, and forces the heart to work harder. Also, especially in India, this is the time of festivities and crackers. This eventually increases pollution and AQI, which also puts pressure on the heart.
Now, this scary situation is mostly dangerous for people above 40 or suffering from any kind of health issues. If these people ignore the early signs of a heart attack, it can be very risky in the future. This is why people who live in Kolkata must visit a cardiologist in Kolkata to get the right and timely treatment.
Vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels triggered by cold temperatures, raises resistance and makes the heart work harder to pump. For people who are suffering from hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, this extra strain can cause angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
The fear of most lung and heart patients, the pollution of Diwali. This thing during the winter months spikes inflammation and thickens the blood, which a lot of the time becomes the cause of blood clots. Limited sunlight consumption reduces vitamin D and serotonin levels, which can negatively impact blood pressure regulation and mood, resulting in increased cardiovascular stress.
The festive celebration comes with dangerous risks: late-night celebration, alcohol, sweets, and heavy meals can significantly increase blood pressure and cholesterol, usually without immediate signs.
The most common winter cardiac conditions involve the following:
1. Angina: Chest distress caused by decreased blood flow to the heart.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Sudden blockage in the coronary arteries, which leads to a lot of pain and breathlessness.
3. Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, sometimes caused by cold or too much caffeine.
4. Hypertension: Blood pressure increases because of constricted vessels.
5. Stroke: When blood flow to your brain is blocked, or a blood vessel bursts.
Visit a cardiologist near me if you have the following experience:
A lot of patients avoid getting care, thinking these are seasonal symptoms, a decision that can be life-changing.
The cold air of winter forces peripheral arteries to tighten, forcing blood back toward the core to somehow maintain body heat. Both heart rate and oxygen demand rise as a result. For those who are dealing with pre-existing blockages, the unusual and sudden stress can decrease oxygen supply to the heart muscle, which can result in cardiac pain or arrest.
Also, the respiratory infections frequently observed in winter can weaken the heart. Diseases such as flu or pneumonia worsen inflammation, blood thickening, and promote cardiac risk.
The following lifestyle choices will help you maintain a healthy heart:
A cardiologist near me, accessible on Apollo 24|7, can identify cardiac risks by using innovative diagnostic tools, including:
These tests aid in detecting silent or early-stage cardiac problems before they become emergencies.
For at-risk patients, cardiologists in Kolkata may suggest taking medication to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, or control the formation of clots. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins are standard protective treatments. Personalized consultation, diet improvements, and regular physical movement are very important to maintaining long-term heart health.
Emergency care for heart attacks typically requires angioplasty or stenting to maintain blood flow. For arrhythmias, pacemakers or ablation procedures may be recommended.
Most heart conditions can be effectively managed if treated early. Scheduled cardiac check-ups every 6–12 months, especially during winter, are highly beneficial for people over 40 or with risk signs like obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
Programs for cardiac rehabilitation that incorporate exercise, nutrition planning, and psychological support are very beneficial to people recuperating from cardiac events. Managing stress and maintaining emotional stability also gives rise to a stronger heart.
Your heart works constantly and frequently under tremendous strain, particularly when dealing with the demands of a busy lifestyle, the added stress of winter cold, and elevated air pollution.
Heart attacks can be very risky, and if someone does not pay attention to the risk, it can become very dangerous, especially during the winter. Taking these actions is absolutely necessary to defend and protect your most significant organ for a long and healthy life.
Ans: You may sense a flapping or fluttery feeling in your chest.
Ans: Unusual fatigue/weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or feet.
Ans: Stay warm, keep moving, eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and try to avoid stress.
Ans: They should avoid heavy, salty, sugary, and fried comfort foods in winter.
