Tips to Deal with Increased Heart Disease Risk in winters

Heart attack is that condition when the flow of oxygen-rich blood going to a certain section of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked and the oxygen does not reaches the heart. If the flow of blood is not restored right on time, that section of the heart muscle starts dying. This results in a heart attack.

Heart Attack Signs

Following are some of the main symptoms of heart attack:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Crushing chest pain
• Dyspnea  or shortness of breath)
• Restlessness
• Face turns gray
• Patient is sweaty

Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease 

According to several studies it has been proved that the heart is out at a greater risk during the winter season. This happens due to a number of factors.  Cold temperature leads to a high blood pressure as well as an increase in the level of protein. This results in high risk of blood clotting. When the weather is cold, human heart works harder to maintain the body heat and keep the arteries tightened. This reduces the bold flow and oxygen supply to the heart.All this causes a heart attack, mainly in old-age people and those who already have any heart disease such as High BP, blocked coronary arteries etc. 

There is another issue, hypothermia. This condition occurs when the temperature of the body falls below normal. The main cause of Hypothermia is heart failure. Therefore, it is necessary that one should wrap oneself properly when outdoors during winters.

Another prime reason is lack of sunlight. When the temperature is cold, the arteries get tightened; this leads to restriction in flow of blood, thereby reducing the supply of oxygen to the heart, causing a heart attack.

We cannot do anything about the weather, but falling into unhealthy habits further increases the risk of a heart attack. For example, during winters people eat more of richer and processed food. In many cases, the intake of alcohol also increases. Increased limit of alcohol and eating diet rich in sodium and saturated fat increases the threat of a cardiac arrest.

It has also been seen that if certain issues crop-up, risk of heart attack increases. For instance, exposure to any kind of illness, mainly flu, can lead to inflammation in the vessels of the body. This puts more pressure on the heart. Similarly, exposure to indoor air pollution, mainly in a room with fireplace with poor ventilation is also harmful. It is very important that one must seek medical attention without wasting a single moment as delay of a few minutes can turn out to be quite serious.

Heart Disease Risk

• Old Age
• Early morning activity like snow shoveling (in winters)
• High triglycerides
• High blood pressure or Hypertension
• Low HDL levels
• Indisciplined lifestyle
• Bad Cholesterol
• Diet
• Diabetes
• Physical in activity
• Existent cardiovascular diseases

Prevention and Tips to Stay Heart Healthy During Winters 

A heart attack may sound to be a dreadful condition but not many known that it is one of the easiest conditions to prevent and easily avoid, just by following a few simple tips. You can stay heart-healthy during winters just by following a few simple preventive tips:

• Lowering heart disease by intake of animal-based omega-3 supplement, like Krill oil
• Intake of nutritional food as per your body type 
• Regular exercise or Physical activity including core exercises, stretching and strength training
• Regulated insulin levels- Increased level of insulin leads to insulin resistance, a prime risk for the heart.
• Optimized levels of Vitamin D- exposure to sun and intake of food, rich in Vitamin D
• Avoid or control hypertension
• Reduction of Blood cholesterol
• Decrease your triglycerides by avoiding sugar and grains in your diet
• Stay indoors and do not be an early bird
• Wrap-up properly
• Knowledge is important, be aware
• Quit or lessen your smoking
• Control diabetes
• Listen to slow music at least 30 minutes a day, it lowers your blood pressure
• Pop-in an aspirin daily but consult your physician first
• Intake of some flax seeds-you can kneed it in the dough or can add it in your salad
• Increase intake of cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
• Follow the old-route of eating an apple every day
• Drink hot cocoa, rich in heart-healthy phenols and flavonoids` but opt for low-fat milk

Studies show that people who are more prone to heart attack during the winter season; they are at a higher risk during the remaining part of the year as well. Today, there are several heart disease treatments available today, but it us wiser to stay healthy and take care of your heart properly, especially during winters.