Heart ailments throb up in winter
PNS | DEHRADUN
In view of the ongoing winter season, doctors have reported an increase in heart-related conditions among the individuals, averaging between 20 to 30 per cent. It has been noted that, in comparison to the summer months, instances of heart ailments tend to rise during winter. Doctors attribute this to the sedentary lifestyles and constriction of heart vessels that are more prevalent during this time of year.
Talking to The Pioneer, the medical superintendent at Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital Dr VS Chauhan said that the incidence of heart ailments is more in winter compared to summer. He explained that during the winter months, individuals often become less active and engage in less physical exercise, which leads to issues with unmanaged blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
As a result, there has been an increase in cases of heart conditions. Additionally, during the winter months, the narrowing of the cardiac veins contributes further to the rise in these ailments. He further highlighted that elderly individuals are at a greater risk for heart diseases. Therefore, it is essential for people to prioritise physical activity, adhere to prescribed medications for blood pressure and blood sugar in a timely manner and maintain a healthy diet in order to avoid heart ailments.
“I have observed that the incidence of heart ailments in the OPD has risen by 20 to 30 per cent during the winter season compared to the summer,” stated a cardiologist at the district hospital Dr Sandeep Malviya. He further noted that individuals tend to decrease their physical activity in winter, resulting in thicker blood, narrowed heart veins and uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar levels. All of these factors subsequently lead to heart conditions. He also pointed out that there has been a notable increase in heart ailments among young adults during winter, largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles. To mitigate these risks, it is vital to take proactive steps. To prevent potential health issues, individuals should prioritise regular check-ups for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is important to engage in increased physical activity and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort arise.