Stay warm! For, intense winter chill can trigger a number of ailments as also aggravate the health conditions of the heart and diabetic patients particularly elders, say medical experts.
Not taking care could lead to brain stroke or heart attack, said Dr Ambuj Roy, cardiologist at AIIMS as he pointed out that cold temperatures are known to raise blood pressure and also increase levels of certain proteins that could increase the risk for blood clots.
Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, from Bangalore-based Manipal Hospitals added, “during winters, due to decline in physical activity and poor circulation of blood in the body, the risk of heart diseases, diabetic foot, obesity and other lifestyle diseases rises substantially.
“It is important for people to understand that a healthy lifestyle and seasonal precaution are keys to keep these at bay. Most of these are directly related to an individual’s way of life and food choices. It is alarming that a major segment of the population in India is still not aware of the seriousness of the problem particularly during winters.”
Dr Roy added that it has been found that risk of stroke doubles for a patient during winters. Some studies have shown that a 1 degrees Celsius reduction in average daily temperature is associated with a cumulative 2 per cent increase in risk of heart attack over a 28-day period. The highest risk was within two weeks of exposure to cold weather.
Dr BR Das from SRl Diagnostics cautioned that those dogged by cold hands and feet during chilly weather must check for thyroid disorder. “The thyroid and the pituitary glands work together as a heater and a thermostat respectively. As long as the thyroid is functioning properly, it will respond to the pituitary’s release of TSH and produce more of its own hormones, known as T4, to heat up the body.”
Dr Sanjeev Bagai from Manipal Hospital said that apart from staying away from smoking and alcohol, avoiding high sugar, calorie and salt in diet, being physically active, leading a stress-free life, it is also important to monitor one’s blood sugar, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and kidney parameters in this weather.