Heart attacks are worrisome in their own right, but did you know that data shows heart attacks (and strokes) are more common in the winter? Several studies over the years have confirmed that this statistic is certainly not a fluke, which has led to further investigation.
Why more heart attacks in winter? What could be causing this phenomenon and is there any way you can lower your risk? The great thing is that since its discovery, many doctors and cardiology experts have put forth the potential causes for this rise. Let’s understand the issue and later look at what you can do to stay away from this health issue.
Before we get into the probable causes, first we need to understand what it means when we say that there are more heart attacks in the winter months. Let’s take an imaginary hospital as an example. If we make a list of all patients who come to this hospital during 1 year, for some reason we will see that during the colder months more people had heart attacks. According to some studies (conducted in the real world), there may be a 31-33% higher incidence of heart attacks in winter and every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature came with a 0.49% increase in deaths from all causes.
While the above reasons and mechanisms are universal to humans, it’s not that any one of them can cause a heart attack. Rather, each factor plays a part in successively increasing the risk but even all these things together may not be enough. It comes down to being at risk for a heart attack before the cold weather. People who are already at risk may find their bodies pushed to the limits during winter, which may potentially lead to a higher risk of a cardiac incident.
Most cardiologists suggest that older people, those who smoke or drink regularly and those who do not get any regular activity are most at risk. By limiting your exposure to colder temperatures and keeping up a regular amount of daily physical activity, these people may be able to lower their risk of a heart attack in winter.
With winter coming around soon, we want to stress that the purpose of this post is not to cause fear and alarm. There are plenty of things you can do to stay fit-
If you are someone who is at risk, you may want to do blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups regularly and maintain them in a healthy range. Additionally, you can always speak with your doctor if you are worried about how to handle the upcoming season. Don’t forget that staying happy and stress-free is always recommended for good health.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Sources:
Heart attacks are worrisome in their own right, but did you know that data shows heart attacks (and strokes) are more common in the winter? Several studies over the years have confirmed that this statistic is certainly not a fluke, which has led to further investigation.
Why more heart attacks in winter? What could be causing this phenomenon and is there any way you can lower your risk? The great thing is that since its discovery, many doctors and cardiology experts have put forth the potential causes for this rise. Let’s understand the issue and later look at what you can do to stay away from this health issue.
Before we get into the probable causes, first we need to understand what it means when we say that there are more heart attacks in the winter months. Let’s take an imaginary hospital as an example. If we make a list of all patients who come to this hospital during 1 year, for some reason we will see that during the colder months more people had heart attacks. According to some studies (conducted in the real world), there may be a 31-33% higher incidence of heart attacks in winter and every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature came with a 0.49% increase in deaths from all causes.
Most heart attacks occur in the morning, a phenomenon that researchers have linked to circadian rhythm. In the morning hours, increasing the circadian-driven secretion of certain hormones, which may be a trigger for subsequent increases in oxygen demand and blood pressure, a pattern with the season is also known in the literature.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
With that out of the way, let’s delve into the reasons this may be happening.
The cold causes blood vessels to contract. This can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Angina, or chest pain due to coronary heart disease, can also worsen in winter when coronary arteries constrict in the cold so keeping yourself warm is very important.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
While the above reasons and mechanisms are universal to humans, it’s not that any one of them can cause a heart attack. Rather, each factor plays a part in successively increasing the risk but even all these things together may not be enough. It comes down to being at risk for a heart attack before the cold weather. People who are already at risk may find their bodies pushed to the limits during winter, which may potentially lead to a higher risk of a cardiac incident.
Most cardiologists suggest that older people, those who smoke or drink regularly and those who do not get any regular activity are most at risk. By limiting your exposure to colder temperatures and keeping up a regular amount of daily physical activity, these people may be able to lower their risk of a heart attack in winter.
Sudden chest pain, chest discomfort or fullness should not be confused with acidity or gas especially when the pain spreads to your left arm and if they are accompanied by sweating or breathing difficulty. Seeking urgent attention in such situations without any delay can be helpful to save a life.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
With winter coming around soon, we want to stress that the purpose of this post is not to cause fear and alarm. There are plenty of things you can do to stay fit-
If you are someone who is at risk, you may want to do blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups regularly and maintain them in a healthy range. Additionally, you can always speak with your doctor if you are worried about how to handle the upcoming season. Don’t forget that staying happy and stress-free is always recommended for good health.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Sources:
When we think of heart attacks, an image pops up in our minds. A person experiencing searing pain in the chest and losing consciousness. While this does indeed happen, there is another phenomenon called a silent heart attack. Most people are not aware of this kind of heart attack. The silent heart attack is not accompanied by the usual signs of a heart attack. It is very much possible that the person experiencing the attack wouldn’t even realize that something is amiss. While this can happen to anyone, persons with diabetes are more prone to it.
If a heart attack can be painless, does that mean it is also harmless? Not at all. A silent heart attack will damage your heart health just like a regular heart attack. In the case of uncontrolled diabetes, due to the damage to nerves, your body fails to sense the pain and discomfort due to the heart attack. It might eventually even put your life at risk. In a way, a silent heart attack is more dangerous than the one that triggers pain. If you don’t even know that you’ve had a heart attack, you will not be able to seek medical help and your health could deteriorate without any warning.
It is also worth knowing the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Mostly, heart attacks occur when one of the arteries (blood vessels) leading to the heart gets blocked, while cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating and the person stops breathing normally. Cardiac arrest is worse than a heart attack.
So what is to be done? Let’s find out!
Any heart attack, silent or otherwise, happens when your heart muscles do not get a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood through the arteries for a long period of time. The muscles need oxygen to stay healthy and carry out their tasks. But when plaque (caused by bad cholesterol) builds up in the arteries, these blood vessels lose their flexibility and the passage becomes narrow. Naturally, not enough blood is able to flow through them to the heart. The oxygen-starved heart muscles start dying and eventually, a heart attack happens which can further damage the heart muscles and other vital organs of the body.
A silent heart attack may not be characterized by sudden intolerable pain but it is a misconception to think that there are absolutely no warning signs. In the days preceding the attack, people do experience certain mild heart attack symptoms which most ignore. Recognising these signs for what they are, the precursor to a heart attack can help you prevent one.
Any unusual feeling in your chest that persists for more than a day should be examined by a doctor. Heartburn can cause intense stabs of pain but this does not last for more than a few minutes. So do not ignore your chest discomfort by chalking it up to indigestion.
Other heart attack symptoms that need to be brought to your doctor’s attention are – mild pain in your chest, a feeling of pressure anywhere in this region or an inexplicable fullness. Do not overlook these signs of a heart attack.
A silent heart attack (or any other heart attack) may trigger pain anywhere in the body other than in the chest in the days leading up to the attack. It is difficult for people to associate body pain with an upcoming heart attack. If you feel constant pain in your arms, neck, abdomen, back or jaws, let your doctor know.
If you are having difficulty breathing or are feeling dizzy, the cause might be more than your asthma acting up or exhaustion. Impending heart attacks often trigger both these heart attack symptoms. Poor blood supply to the heart means that even minor exertions like walking up a flight of stairs can make you wheeze. Disorientation happens because your heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to the brain.
Nausea could be triggered by a variety of causes from indigestion to the flu. But a future heart attack is also sometimes preceded by intense nausea and vomiting. You may also break out into sudden cold sweats accompanied by dizziness. If you haven’t caught the flu or if there are no other signs of indigestion, then contact your doctor immediately.
Also Read: Benefits of Watermelon Sexually: Exploring Research-Based Effects
No matter what your age is, you need to take better care of your heart. Exercising 5 days a week is a must. If you are a heart patient, discuss with your doctor about the right exercise for your body. A healthy diet can keep risk factors of heart disorders such as hypertension, high levels of LDL and obesity in check. Undergo cholesterol tests, monitor your blood pressure and give up smoking. Be especially careful if your family has a history of heart diseases. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the tell-tale signs of a heart attack. If you experience any discomfort for an unusually long time, do not hesitate to inform a doctor. This will save your life.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
South Asian populations, including Indians, account for a high risk of heart ailment even in the younger age groups. In fact, according to a Stanford University study, South Asian people have a 40% higher mortality rate due to heart attacks than people from the rest of the world.
But of late, it has been observed that the age group that is the worst hit is the 25 – 40 bracket. The age group who is often indulged in unhealthy lifestyles and habits like smoking, alcohol and remain ignorant of the fact that they too are at risk of developing some serious illnesses. Appearing healthy from the outside does not assure perfect health.
It is important to prevent heart attacks as they could lead to severe complications like heart failure. What’s the difference between heart attack and heart failure? Generally, heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is partially or completely cut off, while on the other hand, heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to other body parts as efficiently as it should.
The time has come to become aware of the possibility of grave heart disorders and learn of ways to avert them. No matter how young you are, it is not too early to start taking care of your heart.
Physical activity significantly helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. When done regularly, moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises can lower an individual’s risk for coronary heart disease.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Typically people think that the risk of heart ailments rises when a man reaches his 50s and a woman crosses the age of 65. But these days, heart illnesses or other disorders that lead to heart problems such as hypertension or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are being noticed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Why are the youth today more vulnerable to heart attacks than the previous generations?
The primary reason is the prevalent sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Modern lifestyle ups the risk of heart attacks among the youth.
The lives of the youth today are riddled with stress. Stress levels are higher today than ever before. With workplace toxicity, unrealistic expectations, financial insecurity in a volatile job market, distressing news and social media abuse being rampant, the youth today do not have healthy ways of dealing with stress.
Chronic stress is dangerous for the body. It causes unhealthy weight gain and high blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension damages the arteries and lowers blood supply to the heart. In the absence of enough blood, the heart muscles start degrading and eventually, this causes a heart attack.
Indians have higher risk of CAD at young age compared to other populations. Risk factor profile remains similar to those of old adults such as dyslipidemia, tobacco, diabetes, and hypertension but conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercoagulable states, and cocaine use, etc. are specific to younger population and should be evaluated in CAD cases. CAD in the young is increasing in prevalence in India due to changing lifestyle. Family history of premature CAD is one of the strongest risk factor in young individuals.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Another answer to the question of why do young people have heart attacks, lies in the foods that the youth today eat. To deal with stress and also because the youth barely has the time or energy to cook healthy meals, unhealthy eating is on a rise. Frequent cravings are satiated with sweets, desserts and oily fried foods. Reliance on take-out foods has increased. All these foods are harmful to the heart.
Trans fats found in deep-fried foods, white bread, cookies, cakes or pastries raise the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). LDL builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels of the heart. This creates an obstruction that narrows the passage and limits how much blood reaches the heart. This may eventually trigger a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Youth these days indulge in extreme diets, take a variety of health supplements on their own which can be harmful. Any diet plan or health supplements should not be taken without discussing with a doctor or registered dietician.
Unhealthy eating causes obesity and is one of the primary risk factors of diabetes. Studies have found that the obesity rate in India is increasing more rapidly than the global average and India already ranks 3rd in the obesity index.
The incident rate of obesity is quite high in the youth and obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are considered risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important for everyone to stay aware of the warning signs of heart attack and get yourself tested by a cardiologist when in doubt.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Too little or too much exercise is another reason why young people are having heart attacks.
Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, dancing, skipping rope (any exercise that makes your heart rate go up) ward off obesity and keep LDL and triglyceride levels in check and thus protect the heart. Exercises also increase blood supply to the heart. But unfortunately, many youngsters are reluctant to exercise because they think they don’t have enough time after work.
On the other end of the spectrum are youngsters who exercise too much in a bid to fit the media-established idea of the ‘perfect body’. If there is a pre-existing heart condition that has not been diagnosed yet, then excessive exercise can damage the heart further and bring on a heart attack. Unregulated weight training can thicken the heart muscles and unprescribed supplements can trigger arrhythmia.
According to doctors, some people in their 20s start developing heart blockages because of genetics or bad cholesterol. In such a state, if the person puts his/her body through an extreme workout, the exertion can trigger the formation of blood clots near the blockages which can result in a heart attack.
Lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting hours in front of a laptop or TV, excessive screen time, poor sleep habits, improper eating schedule together affect a person’s health. Working in these areas can offer great health benefits and this applies to people of all age groups.
All healthcare experts will tell you that you can substantially lower the risks of cardiac problems by following a healthy lifestyle. A perfectly healthy-looking person may also have an underlying illness that can be diagnosed by routine health checkups. Follow these tips:
If needed, consider seeking the help of a therapist. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
Start taking better care of your heart health from today. No matter how young you are, your health deserves special attention and love. Live healthy to prevent not just heart attacks but many other illnesses as well. And if there is a prevalence of heart disorders or diabetes within the family, get yourself tested at least once a year. Prevention is always better than cure, stay aware and keep up good health.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Heart attack and cardiac arrest are two of the most common heart conditions that lead to death in most cases. We often confuse the two terms and even use them interchangeably at times. These two conditions are very different and to understand their differences, we spoke to Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Salil Shirodkar at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai and Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist at Narayana Hospital, Dr Kapil Kumawat.
The primary difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, the causes for each of the conditions and how a heart attack can be prevented are explained concisely by the cardiologists.
The heart is supplied by two coronary arteries – left coronary artery and the right coronary artery and their branches. A blockage in one of these branches leads to stoppage of blood flow to the heart muscle. This leads to a heart attack.
A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating suddenly. If a person develops cardiac arrest, they will lose consciousness and collapse. One of the major causes of cardiac arrest is a heart attack.
When the blockage occurs in the widowmaker artery, a large area of the heart muscle doesn’t receive adequate blood supply. This leads to a cardiac arrest.
Another critical reason for cardiac arrest is the degeneration of the electric cell. Heartbeats are generated by this electric cell and degeneration in one of those cells stops the heart impulses entirely.
The most common reasons that lead to a heart attack are:
1) Smoking
2) Alcohol
3) Old Age
4) Unhealthy food habits
5) Genetic Predisposition
6) Lack of exercise
7) Obesity
Multiple causes can lead to a cardiac arrest. These are:
1) Degeneration of the electric cells
2) Heart Attack
3) Heart muscle problems such as cardiomyopathy
4) Electrolyte abnormalities – A sudden increase or decrease in the potassium level in the body
5) A sudden blow to the chest
6) Very slow rhythm or a sudden fast rhythm
7) Genetic Predisposition
Yes, a heart attack can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Shirodkar recommends following a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, reducing stress and keeping drinking and smoking to a minimum for the good health of your lungs and heart. Poor health of lungs inversely affects your heart health too.
Patients who suffer from diabetes and cholesterol should keep those two factors in check as well.
Although a cardiac arrest cannot be prevented as it can occur due to multiple factors, Dr Kumawat suggests that each patient is different and they require an individual evaluation to find out if they are at risk of having a cardiac arrest.
Patients with prior heart problems should consult with their treating doctor and understand if they require an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator). This is also applicable to patients who have undergone a successful surgery or angioplasty.
It is clear that in an emergency situation, a specific medication won’t be of any help because cardiac arrest is a condition wherein the heart stops beating all of a sudden. Yet, Dr. Kumawat urges patients to carry their routine cardiac medications while traveling and in similar situations.
As a form of first aid, if a person is having a cardiac arrest, bystanders can quickly provide BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) that includes a cardiac massage and defibrillation using an AED (Automated Cardioverter Defibrillator). An AED is easily available in public places such as airports, aircraft, malls, etc. For this reason, everyone should learn how to give BCLS and use an AED. Be aware of the general symptoms of a poor heart so that you can be well prepared if any misfortune happens in the future. Also remember these symptoms differs from men to women, hence get your research done for both.
Also Read: First Aid Treatment for Heart Attack
Now that we know the primary differences between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, we can use these terms undoubtedly. It is important to enjoy life, have new experiences and make unforgettable memories, but at the same time, ensure that you take care of your heart and follow tips for a healthy heart. This will surely prevent undesirable heart conditions for long life.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
