Risk of heart attack, strokes doubles during winter, say Medicos

Advocate slew of preventive measures for winter months to prevent

With Kashmir witnessing low and sub-zero night temperature, doctors have advised people to take precautions as the risk of heart attacks and strokes doubles in winters.

Kashmir’s leading medico and president Doctor’s Association Kashmir Dr Nisar ul Hassan told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the number of heart attacks and strokes increases in winters as frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels and increases blood pressure as blood tends to be thicker and stickier during extreme cold, increasing chances of heart attack or stroke.

He said that lack of sunlight during winters leaves people vitamin D deficient. which is associated with increased risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. Besides, winter flu also increases risk of such cases.

“People need to take precautions in order to avoid the risk of heart attack or stroke. People must keep themselves warm, avoid going out in the chilly cold for a walk and keep diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol under control and quit smoking,” he said.

He said that people should eat a healthy diet, mainly fruits and vegetables and wear warm clothes and cover their heads.

Dr Susheel Kumar, HOD Cardiology Government Medical College Jammu said that risk of heart attacks and strokes doubles during winters as peripheral body temperature dips leading to vasoconstriction, increased viscosity of blood, increased platelet aggregation and increased tendency to succumb to viral infections purposive besides more blood pressure, less physical activity and more dieting and smoking which leads to heart attacks and strokes—(KNO)