Cardiac Disorders, Fatalities Increase in Winter

The cold weather in winter can lead to cardiac problems which could be deadly, particularly for those who are already suffering from a heart condition. It has been observed that there is a spike in the number of cases in heart attacks during winter season.

The dip in the temperature restricts the arteries, which in turn leads to decreasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. And since the heart is already working harder to pump blood through the body to maintain body heat, the stress can elevate the risk of a heart attack. 

Factors like drop in body temperature, decreased level of vitamin D in the body and an increase of blood viscosity can amplify the risk of cardiovascular diseases during this season.

At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi, doctors are receiving three new patients every day in the last few weeks. 

“We have also seen an increase in the number of cases reported on heart failure, especially at night. In the last two weeks, we saw five new cases coming in at night for cardiac arrest. Only two patients survived as they sought immediate medical assistance and did not wait for the morning. 

People who generally wait till morning to visit hospital delay the medical assistance and in turn, increase the risks involved. So, not only are we more susceptible to heart attacks in winter, but there is also a higher incidence between 11pm at night to 4am in the morning,” said Dr Viveka Kumar, director of the hospital’s Cath Lab, as reported in Hindustan Times.

The cold weather can create threatening factors for heart attacks, especially for people who are above the age of 50 or have had a history of heart problems, diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, the risk of heart failure in existing cardiac patients is comparatively 4-5 times more during winters. 

The usual symptoms that are ignored during winters are unusual gastric problems, profuse sweating, and any pain that lasts for more than 15 minutes.