Your heart needs warmth

Winter is here, and with it comes a need for a better care of the heart. Why? Dr. Sai Sudhakar, Chief Interventional Cardiologist and Chief Cardiac Transplant Physician at Gleneagles Global Hospitals explains why. 

1. Are we more prone to cardiovascular diseases in winter or other seasons?

Studies have shown that the heart is at risk during the winter. In all parts of the world, low temperatures often cause serious repercussions for those suffering with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure. Even to those who do not have a pre-existing heart-related disease, winter may be a season to take good care of one’s heart. 

Cold climate gives rise to some of these heart conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, and hypothermia.

An increase in mortality from the heart attack in the winter months was first reported in the 1930s. Since then numerous studies have reported an increased morbidity and mortality from a heart attack during the autumn and winter.

An association between seasonality and heart attack and mortality was found in most age and sex groups, with men consistently exhibiting a stronger seasonality pattern.

2. What are the factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases in the winter?

There are several factors, such as temperature; infections; coagulation; physical activity; air pollution; vitamin D levels, diet, and obesity.

3. Could you elaborate?

If I am to explain, the winter cold causes blood vessels to contract which can raise blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Angina, or chest pain due to coronary heart disease can also worsen in winter when coronary arteries constrict in the cold. Furthermore, your heart has to work extra hard to maintain a healthy body temperature. Speaking of infections, during cold weather the chances of catching the flu (seasonal influenza) increases.

Physical activity also contributes to heart-related diseases, as in both sexes overall levels of physical activity are significantly higher in summer than in winter. Physical inactivity is strongly positively associated with Cardiovascular diseases. One of the primary mechanisms through which physical activity is thought to affect the heart is through improved endothelial function. Exercise causes increase in blood flow leading to increased shear stress, which is found to improve endothelial function.

Significant seasonal Vitamin D level variations have been observed in several communities. Vitamin D deficiency has been to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

Air pollution is a heterogeneous, complex mixture of gases, liquids, and particulate matter. Studies have demonstrated a consistent increased risk for cardiovascular events in relation to both short and long-term exposure to present day concentrations of ambient particulate matter (PM). Exposure to passive smoking increases platelet activation and causes rapid deterioration in endothelial function, which promotes atherosclerotic plaque development.

Dietary intake in summer and winter is different as well as body mass index (BMI) and serum cholesterol. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated the link between cardiovascular diseases and being overweight, having high blood pressure and increased serum total cholesterol.

4. How to avoid being affected?

There are some dos and don’ts to be practiced. To stay safe from heart-related diseases, limit the exposure to cold. Also, get a flu shot. Follow a diet that is healthy to the heart. Exercise regularly. 

Just like one must follow the above-mentioned rules, one must not avoid skipping meals and medication (if prescribed). Also, do not overexert and overheat yourself.

For Book an Appointment: Dr.Sai Sudhakar