Srinagar GMC issues advisory on preventing heart attacks in winters

In view of prevailing cold weather conditions, the Head of Department of Cardiology, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, has issued advisory for general public to stay safe of heart attacks suffered due to low temperatures.

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While stating the study of Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the Advisory underlines that 10 million people globally experience disability and 500,000 deaths occur annually due to low temperatures.

It notes that cold weather has been established as a critical factor triggering both minor and major heart attacks by causing blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and the workload on the heart. Additionally, exposure to cold can exacerbate respiratory tract infections, further stressing cardiovascular health.

People at higher risk, including those with hypertension (HTN), diabetes, obesity, a history of smoking, previous heart attacks, or heart failure, are advised to take extra precautions during winter months.

It advises people to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature using adequate heating besides wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves and insulated footwear, when venturing outdoors.

In order to prevent Respiratory Tract Infections, people have been asked to avoid unnecessary exposure to cold environments and to consider influenza vaccinations to reduce the risk of viral infections.

Further, advisory has suggested people to modify outdoor activities to avoid outdoor jogging or other strenuous physical activities during cold weather, as this can increase the risk of cardiac events.

While raising caution regarding snow shovelling, advisory maintains that there is a data evolving which has established a relationship between snow shovelling and heart attacks and advised people to stay inside, stay warm and avoid shovelling and other strenuous and heavy work.