Cardiac arrest cases have recorded a spurt since the arrival of cold weather this year, prompting medical practitioners and district administrations to release advisories for high-risk groups.

A young man who arrived at the Sevashram Old Age Home in Gwalior in search of his missing father, suffered a sudden heart attack. The staff present at the facility immediately performed CPR and saved his life.

A medical student from Bhopal, visiting Pachmarhi with her friends, died of a heart attack on December 30.

On November 18, Shanu, a resident of Nishatpura, died of a heart attack while drinking alcohol.

An engineer from Sarvadharma Colony died of a heart attack while taking a morning walk on October 30.

Medical research suggests that the oxygen demand of the body remains high during the winter season. The metabolic activity of the cells increases to keep the body warm, which in turn increases the oxygen demand. In such a situation, the heart has to work twice as hard to pump blood. This causes fluctuations in blood pressure, with the arteries constricting and dilating according to the body's needs. If there is a cholesterol blockage in any artery, the oxygen supply is affected, and cardiac function decreases, which can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Experts say special care for the heart is required in the winter, as it brings many potential risks for heart patients, along with cold and cough.

Heart patients should avoid strenuous activities in the winter, as running or brisk walking in harsh, cold weather can cause exertion, thereby increasing the oxygen demand on the heart. People with arterial blockages may not be suited for such strenuous outdoor activities.

Furthermore, stepping out into the cold is also dangerous because it can cause the blood vessels to constrict, blocking blood flow and causing the skin to turn blue due to a sharp drop in oxygen levels. This situation is known as a vasospastic attack.

Wearing excessive clothing to avoid the cold can also be harmful, as your body will need to release heat when it becomes overheated. Too much warm clothing can prevent that from happening and cause the blood vessels to dilate. This may cause a significant drop in blood pressure, triggering a heart attack.

Influenza may be seen as a minor issue lasting only two to four days, but it can actually be dangerous for heart patients. Due to the cold, fever may occur, which increases the oxygen demand of the body. Your blood pressure may also drop below normal due to dehydration, which reduces the oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The lack of oxygenated blood can cause a heart attack during winter.

Hypothermia and angina can also be factors contributing to heart attacks in cold weather. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, exhaustion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate it, causing the body temperature to fall below the normal range of 98.6°F (37°C). In hypothermia patients, the body temperature can drop below 95°F (35°C).

Angina, on the other hand, can cause chest pain and discomfort that lasts several minutes, a squeezing pressure in the chest, tightness or heaviness in the chest, sweating, and shortness of breath. Angina itself is a symptom of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygenated blood. Due to restricted blood flow in winter, a person may experience angina pectoris.

Therefore, heart patients need to take special care during the winter. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, wear suitable clothing to protect yourself from the cold, drink warm soups to stay cosy, and avoid energy drinks, alcohol, and smoking. Regular exercise is also recommended.

During the winter season, it is best to be alert for any symptoms and consult a doctor immediately. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal or increase the risk of complications.