Kathmandu. The cold months are not considered favorable for heart patients. The drop in temperature adds additional challenges to heart health. According to doctors, the heart has to exert more force to pump blood when the blood vessels shrink to balance the body temperature in cold weather, which increases the blood pressure and the risk of heart attack remains high. Therefore, it is very important for heart patients to pay special attention to their diet, physical activity and warmth during this time.
People who have recovered from heart disease should take special care during cold weather. Similarly, those who are taking medicine regularly should also be cautious as there is a risk of relapse.
1. Avoid morning walk
Do not go outside in the morning when it is extremely cold or frosty. As the cold air puts pressure directly on the heart, it is advisable to walk only after the sun has set. Also, during this time, the dust particles and pollution in the morning atmosphere are concentrated near the ground. This can cause lung problems. Also, in a valley like Kathmandu, it is more difficult for the air to escape, so the pollution increases during winter.
2. Wearing clothes by letter
It is better to wear 2-3 thin layers alternately than wearing one thick layer. It helps in maintaining a stable body temperature. Cover the head and ears with a hat because most of the body heat escapes through the head.
3. Do light exercise indoors
If you can’t go out, keep your body moving by doing yoga, stretching or light walking indoors. It improves blood circulation.
4. Special attention to nutrition
Eat less salt as there is fear of increasing blood pressure in winter. Also drink hot soup, lentils and lukewarm water. But do not consume too much coffee and tea.
Also stay away from oily and starchy foods to avoid raising cholesterol.
5. Regular intake of medication
If you are taking heart medication, do not skip it without your doctor’s advice. Sometimes the dose of medicine may need to be changed in winter, so it is better to check with the doctor once.
6. Quit drinking and smoking
Many may think that alcohol warms the body, but it can also cause heart rhythm disturbances and uncontrolled blood pressure. Smoking makes blood vessels narrower.
7. Avoid the flu
Even a common cold or pneumonia can be fatal for heart patients. Use a mask and pay attention to hygiene when going to crowded places. If necessary, you can get ‘flu vaccine’ on the doctor’s advice.
8. Adjusting the room temperature
Take care of ventilation when using a heater to heat a room. Burning gas heaters or burning coal and closing windows can lead to lack of oxygen and affect the heart.
9. Drink enough water
Thirst is less in winter, but the body needs water. Dehydration can cause blood to thicken, so drink plenty of lukewarm water throughout the day.
10. If you see these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately
If symptoms such as chest heaviness, shortness of breath, profuse sweating, or pain in the left arm and jaw occur, one should immediately go to the nearest hospital.