Gandhinagar: With the mercury declining to single digits in several places across Gujarat, cardiologists have cautioned people suffering from heart ailments to take special care during winter to prevent a heart attack. Notably, the chances of a heart attack increase significantly due to a drop in temperature and generally a 10-20 per cent surge in heart attacks is witnessed during winters.

A significant section of the population which includes people with heart problems, obesity, lifestyle diseases and those leading a sedentary lifestyle are at a greater risk of a heart attack during winters. This apart, the elderly and bed-ridden people also are at risk.

According to Dr Jayesh Prajapati, cath lab director & senior interventional cardiologist with Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, there is seasonal and diurnal variation in morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular diseases. “Around 20 per cent surge in heart attacks is witnessed during winters and more cardiovascular events are witnessed during early morning because of a mix of factors that attributes to the surge,” Dr Prajapati said.

Explaining the factors, Dr Prajapati said, “Variation in plasma levels or clotting factors, increase platelet aggregabilty, blood pressure fluctuations and cholesterol, hormonal changes, increase in the demand-supply ratio of blood to organs, vasoconstriction, and a surge in catecholamine level and increase in body metabolic rate are some of the factors that play a role in heart attacks during winter.”

During winters and also due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, people prefer to stay indoors, do not continue their regular exercises, smoke more, and increase food and alcohol intake, which also adds to the problem. This apart, air pollution, and viral and lung infection also plays a role.

Dr Sameer Dani, director, cardiology services at Apollo CVHF, said, “As the risk of heart attack increases during winter, we advise patients with cardiovascular diseases to take their medications regularly and on time, continue their routine exercises, adopt a healthy lifestyle including good food habits, avoid smoking, wear winter-appropriate clothing and avail treatment for infections.”

This apart, Dr Dani also suggested that people should consult a cardiologist if they witness any symptoms suggestive of heart ailments and get regular health checkups done.