Rise in cardiac ailment and pulmonary disorder; elderly, kids hit worst by chill

New Delhi: The chilly spell of this winter may be worth enjoying for some, but a large number of Delhiities have come under the weather ever since the mercury started plunging in December. There has been a near 25 per cent increase in the number of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) cases, congestive heart failure and asthma patients across the city's private hospitals — the elderly and children have been hit the worst.

Experts believe the spurt in disease can be controlled only if the minimum temperature pushes up to the 15- 16°C mark. Delhi hospitals have seen a rise in the number of patients suffering from lung and cardiac diseases since December-end. "The prevailing temperature is ideal for streptococcus pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial viruses that trigger COPD and result in Type II respiratory failure. Once the latter strikes, oxygen level dips in the blood and carbon dioxide level rises. It could be fatal and requires immediate ventilation support. We have seen a substantial rise in the number of these patients," said Dr Kuldeep Kumar, consultant, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (GTBH).

Dr Bipin Kumar Dubey, cardiologist, said, "The heart has to work twice as hard in winters, during winters, the heart is conditioned to pump the blood faster than usual to maintain the body temperature. Winter chills constrict blood vessels further increasing blood pressure, meanwhile, cold weather also enhance the tendency of formation of blood clots."

He further added that diet and exercise are the two pillars for lifestyle management to curb heart ailments. Moreover, one should avoid taking excess salts and sugars.

Another cardiology consultant, Dr Asim Dhall, Indian Spinal Injury Centre (ISIC), said that as the mercury plunges the number of patients rises to around 20 to 25 per cent, who are visiting hospitals for heart related issues. "We have witnessed a rise of over 30 percent from early December. Also, to protect the blood supply to vital organs like brain and lungs the body constricts blood vessels to other parts. The hospital has seen a three-fold rise in COPD and cardiac patients," he said

"Apart from this, we have had a sizable number of patients who contracted viral and bacterial infections which triggered COPD. The present weather conditions are ideal for a group of viruses to thrive and those with lower immunity are at risk. This group includes diabetics, those with chronic renal diseases, patients who have undergone bone marrow transplant or renal transplant," Dr Kuldeep added.