GMC Srinagar urges precautions for people with cardiac issues

Srinagar, Dec 28: With snowfall and sub-zero temperatures prevailing in Kashmir, the risk of heart attacks and strokes poses a significant threat to public health, doctors believe.

The Department of Cardiology of Government Medical College (GMC) issued an advisory today over the matter, while senior doctors across Kashmir gave words of caution to prevent such emergencies. As per the advisory, elderly people, those with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and having any cardiac issues must take precautions to safeguard their health. The situation is equally grim in Kashmir, where 30% of adults suffer from hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The advisory has been issued by HoD Department of Cardiology, GMC Srinagar.

It says that recent studies have shown that every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack, making Myocardial Infarction (MI) one of the leading causes of death and morbidity globally.

Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and the workload on the heart. Exposure to cold can also exacerbate respiratory tract infections, further stressing cardiovascular health. In fact, 10 million people globally experience disability and 500,000 deaths occur annually due to low temperatures. Air pollution is another key risk factor for heart attacks, contributing to systemic inflammation and impaired cardiovascular function.

People at higher risk of heart attacks include those with hypertension (HTN), diabetes, obesity, a history of smoking, previous heart attacks and heart failure.

The advisory underlines the importance of:

Staying Warm: Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature using adequate heating. Wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and insulated footwear, when venturing outdoors.

Prevent Respiratory Tract Infections:

Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold environments. Consider influenza vaccinations to reduce the risk of viral infections.

Modify Outdoor Activities:

Avoid outdoor jogging or other strenuous physical activities during cold weather. Stay inside, stay warm, and avoid shoveling and other strenuous and heavy work.

By taking these simple precautions, “you can significantly reduce your risk of heart attacks during the winter months. Stay warm, stay safe, and prioritize your heart health,” it states.

Senior cardiologist at SKIMS, Dr Imran Hafeez, warned that cold weather has a direct impact on blood pressure. "Cold exposure leads to vasoconstriction, which can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes," he says.

Dr Hafeez emphasises the importance of home blood pressure monitoring and regular medication to mitigate the seasonal spikes in blood pressure.

Dr Irfan Ahmed Bhat, a cardiologist at SMHS Hospital, highlights the specific factors that contribute to hypertension during winter.

"The increased consumption of salt in traditional Nun Chai and processed foods, as well as the use of over-the-counter cold medications, can all exacerbate blood pressure problems," he says.

Dr Bhat also discusses the unique phenomenon of "winter hypertension," where people who may not have hypertension during warmer months develop elevated blood pressure during the cold season. "The cold weather in Kashmir plays a major role in triggering hypertension," he says.

The medical fraternity in Kashmir is sounding the alarm, urging people to take their health seriously during the winter months.