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.
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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are pretty sure everyone around here is looking for ideas to spend the day with their loved ones in a uniquely healthy way. Our last blog tried to help you in some way to explore ideas to help you celebrate ”Valentine’s in a healthy way” and if you are still running around to explore a new idea, don’t worry we have got your back.
Modify the idea of chocolates: Ditch traditional chocolates for ”dark chocolates” this time. Dark chocolates have multiple health benefits as it acts as an antioxidant, helps burn fat and increases blood supply to the brain. Dark Chocolate Pancakes won’t leave you craving chocolates and cakes. Give your loved ones a newer concept of chocolates along with wishing them great health.
Ditch virtual for reality: Take a detox from social media this Valentine’s and gift your time to your loved ones. Choosing not to use social media will put you on a path to rediscover the value of your time and will make simplifying your digital life easier and always remember you can do things in life without posting on social media.
Throw a family party: It’s impossible being an Indian and not having a big fat family. Indulge in a party with them. Get close to family; plan for some family fun activities like puzzles or a treasure hunt and give your brain mental exercise in search of answers. Prepare Mini Home-Pizzas, Watermelon and Strawberry Valentine’s Kababs or Healthy Spelt Oat Cookies that are healthy fusion satisfying your taste buds and party needs.
Be a Galentine: A concept bought about by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, ”Galentine’s Day” which gives women a chance to celebrate all the lovely ladies in their lives. Ideally, it is celebrated on the 13th of February however you still can go for an extension to celebrate the same. For men, there is no such official day, but you can pay tribute to your bromance on the same day.
Show your artistic skills: We are far more colorful, far more creative and far more charismatic than we know. Explore your inner artist and gift your loved ones some DIY gifts. Time spent on creating DIY gifts can be more relaxing for your mental health and creating something extremely valuable for your loved ones.
Outdoor activities: If you and your partner are someone who likes to go outdoor and enjoy then you have multiple options like playing tennis or golf at your nearest club or go swimming or plan a campfire night and enjoy the music amidst star gazing.
Plan a dinner date at home: Want to get romantic on Valentine’s day? Then go for traditional candlelight dinner time or cook together something healthy and spend candlelight dinner at home, which can be an option to be kind to your pockets and health.
Buy an insurance plan: What can be more useful to your loved ones than wishing them health and gifting them a health insurance policy. Buy health insurance plans and prepare for future medical bills smartly.
Quit Smoking: Gift your health to your loved ones this Valentine’s and quit smoking. There is no way smoking can be an excuse in the family as it not only puts you at risk but also people around you. This Valentine’s day say no to tobacco and choose a healthy life.
No plan is also a great plan: Still, if all these ideas don’t influence you and if you still feel you are running out of ideas, then just go with the flow. Don’t put up high expectations on Valentine’s day and consider it as an ordinary day and keep it just to relax and meditate.
It’s obvious to want nice, fancy things on V-day, but you shouldn’t expect your partner to spend money on insignificant things. It’s not the price of the gift that matters, it’s about what it represents. A gesture that means something special to the both of you is more valuable than any material item and what can be better if you consider your health too so procrastinate the traditional stereotypical valentine’s day gifts; yet go sappy with these alluring ideas!
Also Read: Vaginal Steaming: Research-Backed Insights on Benefits and Precautions
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Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Healthy Valentine’s Day
”Your flaws are perfect for the heart that’s meant to love you”- but it is equally important to keep that heart healthy to spend your life together. The month of February marks the start of the celebration for Valentine’s Day. We look for unique ways to spend our time with our loved ones. This Year why not consider ”Valentine’s- the healthy way!”. Love comes in various forms and every kind of it wishes only the best for you. To love someone starts with wishing them great health and if you want to make this Valentine’s Day special for that one person who has not only brought love in your life but also a plethora of happiness but confused about how to go about it, then don’t fret. Here are a few suggestions you can consider:
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy This Valentine’s Day
A non-traditional and healthy gift and plan can show that you truly care and that you have put thought into your partner’s enjoyment, health and happiness. You don’t even have to spend a huge amount of money. Imagine how thrilled they’ll be when you pack them their favorite lunch with a heartfelt note or cook food together. That joy is certainly irreplaceable.
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Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
