08/12/2023
*HOW TO PREVENT HEART ATTACK DURING WINTERS*
A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.
Symptoms include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back or arms, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat and anxiety.
In winter, your heart has to work twice as hard to pump oxygen throughout the body to keep you warm while the cold temperature causes the arteries to constrict, thus restricting the flow of blood and reducing the supply of oxygen to the heart muscles. Due to this, the chances of developing blood clots and having a stroke or heart attack are higher during winter.
1.Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption or Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption can warm up your body more than required, which can be dangerous when you’re out in the cold. The body adapts to temperatures slowly, so drink in moderation (not more than two drinks a week). Smoking should be completely abstained from. Cigarette smoking is one of the key contributors to heart diseases or heart failures.
2.Stay Warm, Especially If You Have Heart Problem
Cold temperatures can cause your blood vessels to clamp down. Hence, dress in warm layers before stepping out.
However, if your body is getting overheated, remove a layer until you release enough heat. Too much heat can cause your blood vessels to dilate and lower your blood pressure drastically.
3.Don’t Skip Exercise. Bring it Indoors
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the key contributing factors towards lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. However, it may be risky to step out early in the morning in the cold temperature. So, opt for indoor exercises like yoga, pilates, or simple routines in your living room.
4.Try to Manage Your Stress
Take breaks from work, engage in hobbies or activities like gardening or painting, try yoga at home, and mediate. Ensure you take regular breaks from work.
5.Go for Regular Health Checkups
Everyone must go for regular health checkups - even if they don’t have any medical history. Here is a list of tests that everyone across the age of 30-60 should take annually.
