PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Emergency department at Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital has reported a 30 per cent rise in cases of heart attacks and heart failure during the winter months compared to regular days, the associate professor at the Cardiology department of the hospital, Dr Amar Upadhyay said. Informing about this in detail, He said that as temperatures drop in winter, the body changes to adapt to the colder climate. During this, elevation in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as an increase in blood viscosity, occurs. These factors contribute to a higher incidence of heart attacks among individuals during the winter season, he said.
He further stated that in India, the incidence of heart attacks increases by 30 per cent during the winter months. In this period, a rise in respiratory issues and worsened air quality leads to heart attacks. He said that the cardiology outpatient department has not observed the increase in the said cases. However, there has also been a noticeable increase in heart attack and heart failure cases in the emergency department of GDMC Hospital compared to typical days.
“In the emergency department, there has been a recent uptick in cases of chest pain, breathing difficulties and related issues. The emergency department has recorded 60 to 70 cases of heart failure each month during this time, representing a 30 per cent increase compared to average days,” he reported.
Upadhyay stated that a similar 30 per cent increase in heart attack cases has been noted in the said department. He said that individuals experiencing heart failure suffer from significant breathing difficulties, while those having a heart attack may experience symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, nausea and other related issues. He advised that anyone observing these symptoms should consult a doctor immediately.
Additionally, he emphasised that to mitigate heart conditions like heart attack and heart failure during the winter months, individuals are encouraged to wear layered clothing, engage in physical activities during the day instead of in the early morning and incorporate protein into their diets, among other recommendations.
