Risk of heart diseases up by 35% in winter: Study

Winters and heart disease don’t go well together. According to a recent study, risk of suffering from heart diseases increases by 35 per cent in winters as compared to summer months.

A recent study stated that fatal heart attacks, heart rhythm disorders and strokes occurrence increases during winter months. According to the study, the maximum number of heart attacks occur early morning.

“During winter flu, cough, cold and winter blues or depression cause additional strains on body which may further lead to heart attack. Heart failure and occurrence of heart electrical blockages are also reported more during winters,” said KK Aggarwal, cardiologist and Indian Medical Association secretary general.

Doctors have found that the reason for rise in heart-related diseases during winter is increase of alpha activity in a body’s receptors leading to a 5 millimeters of mercury higher blood pressure level than in the summer months.

“Heart rate increases during low temperature and the heart have to work extra hard to keep blood circulation in running. The extra effort causes an upsurge in both heart rate and blood pressure leading to attack and other heart diseases,” stated Aggarwal.

In addition to this, lack of exercise in daily routine and unhealthy dietary habits increases the risk of heart diseases. “During winters, people indulge less in physical activities and more in binge eating. This leads to an increase in the number of stents, bypasses and pacemaker implants. Such an increase is not seen in diabetics or those who are on aspirin prophylaxis,” added the cardiologist.

Experts suggest people, especially heart patients, should avoid exposure to extreme cold. One should avoid smoking and control consumption of alcohol.

“Alcohol gives initial feeling of warmth, but this is from expanding blood vessels in the skin that draws heat from vital organs,” said a cardiologist.