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The low day temperature in North India is making winter unbearable for people. Extremely cold temperatures are not only uncomfortable and deplete energy levels but can also cause health complications ranging from stroke to heart attack. Our body has to work extra hard to deal with cold temperatures. Our vessels that supply blood to different parts of the body can constrict in response to cold, which can increase blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, which can eventually disrupt brain function and cause neurological problems. Cold wave can also aggravate respiratory symptoms in people suffering from asthma, COPD and similar lung disorders. (Also read: 11 ways to beat the cold wave and stay safe when the mercury drops)
Keeping in mind that cold wave can be extremely harmful to almost all aspects of your health, it is important to take precautions and avoid exposure as much as possible.
Principal Dr Nishith Chandra says, “Extreme cold can have a significant impact on cardiovascular and neurological health, raising concerns for conditions ranging from heart attack to brain stroke. Cardiologists and neurologists alike are particularly concerned about the cold temperatures. We emphasize the importance of understanding and mitigating the risks associated with Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Okhla Road, New Delhi.
Dr Chandra lists 5 ways in which extreme cold can affect your health:
1. Heart attack
Cold triggers vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and heart rate. This puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to a heart attack. Additionally, cold can thicken the blood, increasing the likelihood of a clot forming, which is a key factor in both heart attacks and strokes.
2. Stroke, neurological problems
Hypothermia poses a major threat, challenging the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature. This can disrupt neurological functions, increasing the chance of stroke. Additionally, prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause shivering, which is a natural response to heat generation but can increase stress on the heart.
3. Asthma, COPD
Cold air blocks airways, posing a danger to individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to respiratory problems. Pressure on the respiratory system increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events.
4. Frostbite
Frostbite is the result of cold temperatures affecting the skin and underlying tissues, which can cause blood flow to be disrupted. This not only increases the risk of local tissue damage but also contributes to the broader cardiovascular challenges associated with cold exposure.
5. Psychological stress
Psychological stress from extreme cold can stimulate the secretion of stress hormones, which affect the autonomic nervous system. This pathology can trigger cardiovascular events or aggravate existing cardiovascular conditions.
In extreme cold, individuals should be alert to these potential adverse effects. Adequate protection, layering and maintaining warmth are essential preventive measures.
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