Smoking is more injurious during winters

One should abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking during the winter season as the amount of oxygen in the lungs is lower in cold temperatures, and smoking can trigger respiratory ailments, cardiovascular complications and high blood pressure. The cold weather also brings with it an increased incidence of Vitamin D deficiency, causing heart diseases and strokes, say senior cardiologists Dr K K Sethi and Dr Balbir Singh.

Dr K K Sethi, Director-Cardiology, Delhi Heart & Lung Institute, said, “Cold temperatures cause the heart arteries to constrict, thereby restricting the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This often results in a rise in the blood pressure of patients with hypertension or existing cardiovascular disease.”

Adding to this, Dr. Balbir Singh, Sr Interventional Cardiologist, Medanta The Medicity Hospital said, “During winters we notice winter depression setting in especially amongst the elderly population. This causes an increase in stress levels and hypertension putting added pressure on their already weak heart. People suffering from winter depression are seen indulging in high sugar, trans fat and sodium comfort foods, which can be extremely dangerous for those with diabetes and high cholesterol.”

Lifestyle changes such as taking up low impact physical activities like going for a brisk walk, jogging, yoga or aerobics class, as well as getting out during the afternoon when the sunlight is at its peak and avoiding spending extended amounts of time outside during early mornings and nights when the temperature is the lowest will also prove beneficial.

(Visual Courtesy: 1mg.com)