Dr. Irfan Bhat (Cardiologist) Discusses Increasing Heart Attack Risks with Kashmir Despatch
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 16: Winter brings cold, wet, and often windy weather that can increase your heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and make your heart work harder to keep you warm. In addition to the common cold and flu, winter poses several potential threats to heart patients that can even be fatal.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch, Dr. Irfan Bhat, a renowned cardiologist at GMC Srinagar, stated that the rate of heart attacks during the winter months is always a concern compared to the summer months in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
He mentioned that cold weather increases the workload on the heart, leading to higher stress levels. For those who are already susceptible to heart attacks, this can lead to more significant issues.
He explained that besides elevated blood pressure, which increases the strain on the heart, there has been a noticeable rise in heart attack cases during the winter.
Another concerning factor is cigarette smoking, which is common, and excessive smoking can also contribute to heart attacks.
Dr. Irfan identified eight factors that can lead to heart attacks.
The first is uncontrolled blood sugar. When individuals cannot keep their sugar levels in check, it can increase the risk of a heart attack. He noted that in many cases, patients are unaware that their sugar levels have risen.
The second factor is uncontrolled blood pressure. If patients do not take their medication on time, they become more vulnerable to heart attacks. Many patients mistakenly believe that if diagnosed with essential hypertension, they can stop taking their medication, but they often need to continue lifelong treatment, which they sometimes neglect, leading to heart attacks.
Other reasons include excessive smoking and an unfavorable lipid profile, especially high cholesterol in the body.
Dr. Irfan emphasized that these four factors are the primary contributors to heart attacks. Furthermore, a lack of physical exercise, inadequate fiber intake from fruits and vegetables, family history of heart diseases, and mental stress are significant contributors. In Kashmir, mental stress appears to be a significant issue; as the mental stress level increases, so does the risk of heart attacks.
Dr. Irfan pointed out that currently, more than fifty percent of patients are experiencing depression, stressful lives, and tension, with the younger generation being particularly affected.
Addressing the common flu in winter, Dr. Irfan noted that infections, in general, increase the body’s oxygen demand. Whether it’s a respiratory infection or some other illness, overall stress during the winter can impact heart health. Even a mild fever can lead to an elevated heart rate in some individuals.
What Precautions Should You Take?
Dr. Irfan stated that prevention is always better than cure, which is an old saying. He emphasized that if someone is a diabetic, they should understand that they need lifelong medication and should visit the doctor regularly for checkups. Maintaining normal blood pressure, avoiding cigarette smoking—and recognizing that even one cigarette can dangerously elevate blood pressure—is crucial.
He advised checking lipid profiles to ensure cholesterol levels are not excessively high. Physical activity is also vital; a 30-minute walk is essential, and those under 60 should continue to walk regularly, regardless of the season.
For individuals over 65, he recommended avoiding exposure to cold morning air, as cold wind can pose a direct threat to heart health.
Moreover, it is crucial to avoid stress, which can be even more dangerous, as it is evident that our younger generation has been drawn into drug use due to stress. It is heartbreaking to see young people suffering and succumbing to drugs, so it is vital to minimize stress in life.
Maintaining a balanced diet is also important, as poor eating habits can lead to health problems. Junk food and fast food should be completely avoided.
Dr. Irfan said that as physical activity decreases, health issues are likely to increase.
Meanwhile, as Kashmir currently experiences harsh winter conditions, some health experts have shared tips with Kashmir Despatch to ensure heart health during this season in the valley.
Stay indoors on cold days and keep your home warm.
Stay active and move around more often, even if you are not performing strenuous exercises.
Wear warm, thin layers of clothing when stepping outdoors.
Have a warm bowl of soup or broth to help warm yourself up.
Eat a balanced diet that includes leafy greens, seasonal fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Quit smoking if you haven’t already.
Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help improve your heart health, not just during winter but throughout the year.
Cold weather can pose significant risks to your heart. Certain cardiac conditions may require emergency treatment; therefore, it is essential to be vigilant about potential symptoms and consult a doctor immediately. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal or increase the risk of complications.
