Why Delhi chill might prove deadly for vulnerable hearts

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
New Delhi: Doctors have actually alerted that the cold conditions in the city can intensify health problems of those with pre-existing heart
ailments
A fall in temperature can increase thickness of capillary, causing an abrupt rise in high blood pressure and subsequent stroke.The extreme
cold is especially fretting for susceptible people, such as the elderly, children and clients with high blood pressure, diabetes or
breathing diseases
Those with disorders, a weak heart or a history of cardiac arrest must not be exposed to this weather condition, said Dr Rakesh Yadav,
teacher at AIIMS
He included that individuals remaining in extreme cold locations need to take proper precautions.Prof Yadav said bed room and restroom
temperature ought to be kept
After taking a hot shower, individuals need to not get in a room which is cold, he included
He advised using heaters to keep the temperature level, including that humidifiers can make the space less dry
Nevertheless, he cautioned against using angeethis as they release fatal gas.Prof Yadav also said numerous layers of clothing need to be
used while getting out of your home however morning walks ought to be avoided.Dr Guarav Jain, senior expert, internal medication,
Dharamshila Narayana, stated people need to ensure they dry themselves totally after taking a bath as many have a tendency to leave the
washroom when they are damp or partly damp, which exposes the body to extreme temperatures and can trigger problems
Sudden changes in temperature can cause fluctuation in high blood pressure (BP), he stated, adding that BP tends to rise during the winter
as cold causes capillary to contract.When capillary agreement, the heart utilizes more force to press blood through smaller passages, rising
BP
When this occurs, a persons blood is susceptible to clotting
A clot obstructs the circulation of oxygen and blood to the brain or heart, which can cause a stroke
Besides, absence of exercise can likewise contribute to a spike in BP.Dr Balbir Singh, chairman of cardiac sciences, Max Superspeciality
Hospital, Saket, said although elderly individuals are more vulnerable, youth get heart attacks nowadays too
People tend to ignore hydration during the winter season
It causes increased viscosity of the blood, which causes clogs and red blood cells clogging up the arteries, he stated, recommending people
to remain hydrated.Similarly, Dr Arun Sharma, senior consultant (neurosurgery) at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, said, Lack of hydration
causes a hypercoagulable state, when blood ends up being thicker and stickier
It can increase the risk of ischemic stroke where clots block the capillary, he said
Incidences of ischemic stroke increase considerably in the winter season, especially when the temperature falls sharply
Its crucial to look after vulnerable people in such extreme conditions
Keeping your high blood pressure under control is extremely essential, besides keeping other medical conditions like diabetes and
hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) in check, said Dr Sumit Goyal, head of neuro intervention and senior expert (neurosurgery), PSRI Hospital
Heart attacks in winter season are most likely amongst those with pre-existing risk aspects, like cigarette smokers, obese individuals, high
blood pressure patients, those with heart conditions and who consume excessive alcohol, said Dr Vineeta Taneja, director (internal
medication), Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh
She recommended people to monitor blood pressure and sugar levels regularly.Dr Nameet Jerath, senior consultant (paediatric pulmonology and
crucial care), Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explained that smog associated with cold is a bigger problem
We are more exposed to it
Children with a tendency to have persistent coughs and colds can be more seriously impacted by smog and cold
They need to be more mindful, he said