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Winter pollution, cold temperatures and bitter winds can take a toll on your heart health. This season is notorious for causing many health problems ranging from allergies to infections. Heart health is also no exception, as many risk factors exist due to seasonal changes. People with existing heart disease are at particularly high risk.
For a comprehensive picture of the relationship between heart health and risk factors of winter, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Naresh Kumar Goyal, Principal Director and HOD Cardiology and Heart Failure Programme, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Let’s take a look at why the colder months put stress on the heart and what you can do to protect it.
Why is there stress on the cardiovascular system during winter?
Two factors work against the heart at the same time, the cardiologist named: cold temperatures and polluted air. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure and activates a chain reaction that causes the heart to work harder.
The second factor is air pollution, which is especially common during winter. According to Dr. Goyal, pollution is responsible for reducing the oxygen levels in the blood, which increases cardiovascular complications to a great extent, especially in people who already have heart disease.
Heart protection tips in winter
Since heart health is a double threat this winter, you need to step up your protection so that you can avoid heart-related complications.
The cardiologist listed these helpful, actionable tips:
1. Layering
Layering up to protect yourself from the winter cold is no easy task. Cover up with appropriately warm layers and protect essential areas, as the cardiologist said: chest, neck, head, arms and legs. This protection helps keep the body warm and reduces stress on the heart. Due to the risk of pollution in winter, Dr Goyal also recommended wearing a good quality mask outside to reduce exposure to pollutants.
2. Be active
Hiding under a blanket to stay warm may seem like a way to escape the winter chill, as the bitter temperatures tempt you toward second-guessing fitness goals. But the doctor still stressed on taking some precautions, including maintaining daily physical activity and not becoming completely sedentary.
Early morning air is usually polluted, which Dr. Goyal especially advised heart patients to avoid.
Their recommendations for physical activity include, “Choose indoor walking, light stretching, yoga or doctor-advised exercises.” The key to exercising in the winter is to start slowly. Dr. Goyal urged to avoid any kind of sudden heavy exertion.
3. Diet
Dr. Goyal explains what to avoid: “Heart patients should be especially careful about salt intake and avoid fried, canned and highly processed foods.”
Instead, one should eat the foods Dr. Goyal shared: seasonal vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like nuts and seeds. During winter, even though you may be tempted to order out often, home-cooked food is always better. Also, people with existing heart disease should take their medicines on time.
warning signs
Although prevention is essential, early detection of any heart-related problem in winter is equally important. The cardiologist shared some red flags that require immediate medical attention without any delay:
- chest discomfort
- breathlessness
- unusual fatigue
- heartbeat
- swelling in legs
And because the season makes one more susceptible to cardiovascular complications, Dr. Goyal reiterated the need to monitor blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol more carefully and regularly.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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