Cold wave is fatal for heart patients, know some tips to protect yourself from it – Dainik Savera Times

Lucknow: Extreme cold weather has started affecting the health of the common man. The cases of heart attacks and strokes recorded in various medical institutions have almost doubled in 15 days. Experts are warning people suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and the elderly to be cautious, as the cold weather can worsen existing heart problems. King George’s Medical University (KGMU), has seen a surge in cases, with around 12-14 cases of stroke and 20-25 cases of heart attacks being reported every day for the last 15 days.

This shows an increase of 100 percent compared to normal days. At the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), the daily number of heart attack cases has increased to 8 to 9 and stroke cases to 10, up from 4 to 5 on normal days. KGMU Neurologist Professor Ravi Uniyal said that whereas on normal days, 6-7 cases of stroke were reported, currently it has increased to 12-14.

He emphasized that approximately 50 percent of stroke and heart attack patients are unaware of their high blood pressure, and often neglect treating high blood pressure. Cold weather constricts blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, temperature affects platelets and increases the chance of clot formation.

He said, ‘When this clot blocks the blood flow to the brain, the patient suffers a stroke. Bleeding occurs when a vessel ruptures, often due to high blood pressure. Both situations can be fatal. Professor Pravesh Vishwakarma highlighted the increased risk for individuals with cardiovascular problems, citing increased chances of heart attack due to vasoconstriction. They recommended μLu vaccine shots for high-risk individuals and emphasized lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight management.