Do you know how to avert heart problems in winter? Low temperatures in winter can be detrimental for people with heart problems. This kind of weather makes the plaque in the arteries more probe to rupture, which can lead to a heart attack. This is also a season when the heart works doubly hard to keep the body warm. This and the fact that many people tend to binge on processed food without any physical activity to compensate for it, can make the situation worse. It is also imperative that we keep our vitals under check.

Winter is also a tough time for people with heart diseases and those prone to them. It is imperative to eat a heart-healthy diet, avoid binge drinking, and get adequate physical activity. If you are someone with existing heart problems, make sure to consult a specialist about adjusting the medication dosage. In case the symptoms exacerbate, get yourself checked immediately.

Some lifestyle changes one can make in winters are as follows:

• Do not ignore unusual symptoms like discomfort in the chest, sweating, pain in the jaw, shoulders, neck or arms as well as shortness of breath
• Do not take part in any strenuous activities to avoid unnecessary pressure on heart. Go for low-impact impact physical activities like brisk walk, jogging, yoga or aerobics.
• Monitor cholesterol levels and other vitals regularly and consult  doctor in case of anything unusual.
• Get enough Vitamin D by sitting in the sun and ask  doctor to adjust the dosage of  routine medicines
• Keep yourself warm, as hypothermia during the winter months is also common and can cause complications.
• Cover your head with a monkey cap.
• Stay away from binge drinking and eating.

Padmashri Dr K KAggarwal-President

The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI).

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