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.
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