For A Healthy Heart

The heart is the most vital organ of our body and must be taken care of all year round. However, winter is a season that calls for special attention. Cold temperatures can lead to an almost 53 per cent rise in the risk of heart attacks.

A dip in mercury levels not only increases blood pressure but also causes the level of certain proteins to shoot up which can lead to blood clots. As the weather gets colder, your heart needs to start working harder to maintain optimal levels of body heat.

Further, the cold weather tightens the arteries which restricts blood flow and reduces the oxygen supply to heart, putting more strain on it and upping the danger of heart attacks. Another factor which leads to heart attacks in the winter is insufficient exposure to sunlight. This leads to a lack of vitamin D in the body which poses a huge risk to the heart. Cold weather also causes changes in the hormonal balance of the body and the hormones involved, such as cortisol, can lower the threshold for cardiovascular strain.

The good news, however, is that heart disease is easy to prevent if one is careful and proactive. Checking your susceptibility is the first step in this direction. There are several ways to detect an impending heart disorder, including blood tests and do-it-yourself home checks. One must also keep a tab on one's lifestyle to ensure good heart health. Maintaining good cholesterol level is most essential. Taking a high-quality omega-3 supplement, exercising regularly by incorporating strength and core training, optimising insulin levels by keeping consumption of grains and sugars to a minimal level are some of the steps that can be taken in this direction.

However, it is important not to stress your heart out too much with an intensive exercise regimen.

Keeping vitamin D levels high is important for preventing heart disease. The right amount of vitamin D in the body can normalise blood pressure and lower the risk of heart problems. The best way to absorb this important vitamin in the body is by exposing the skin to the sun for 30 to 40 minutes daily. But if this isn't possible, taking a high-quality oral supplement is the alternative.

Also, one must not eat large meals in the winter as this puts a load on the heart. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Many of us also tend to consume more alcohol in winter as we feel it keeps us warmer. But too much alcohol can lead to irregular heartbeats. Drink in moderation. Another good way to be safe in the winter is by keeping warm to avoid hypothermia. Consult a doctor and buy certain emergency pills that cure breathlessness and chest pain. Keep these pills handy all the time in the winter.

— The writer is Senior Consultant (Cardiothoracic Surgery), Max Hospital, New Delhi

Signs of heart attack

Traditionally, the first sign of a heart attack is pain in the chest that may radiate down the left arm, but sometimes it may feel more like a muscle-pull pain.

One must never ignore any discomfort in the chest, severe sweating, shortness of breath and pain in the neck, arms, jaws and shoulders. These may seem like muscle-pull pains but could be the result of radiating pain from a blocked artery. All these symptoms are indicators of a heart attack, and you must visit a doctor immediately.

If you have any chronic health condition, especially heart disease, regular check-ups are advisable, especially in the winter.