Chandigarh, December 11, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)- During the winter season, cases of heart attacks and brain hemorrhages increase significantly. According to doctors, the period from November to March is particularly high-risk for heart attacks and strokes. The primary cause is a sudden drop in body temperature.
This typically occurs when a person steps into the open air immediately after bathing with warm water or comes out of blankets or quilts at night to use the restroom. In both scenarios, the body’s temperature fluctuates rapidly, impacting blood flow and blood pressure. Experts say that such changes in blood pressure during winter can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Blood Vessel Constriction in Winter
Family physician Dr. Devesh Chatterjee, with over 15 years of experience, explains that during winter, blood vessels tend to constrict, reducing blood flow. This increases blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart attacks. Similarly, thickened blood in cold weather can sometimes fail to reach the heart and brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Avoid These Mistakes While Bathing
When bathing with warm water in a closed room during winter, the body’s temperature remains higher than the outside temperature. However, stepping out into cold air afterward rapidly reduces body temperature, causing blood vessels to constrict. This raises blood pressure, potentially triggering a heart attack.
Doctors recommend covering yourself with warm clothing after bathing and waiting for some time before stepping outside.
Precaution Before Leaving Your Blanket
Similarly, when you get out of bed at night or early morning, do not get up suddenly. During winter, blood thickens, and in some cases, it may not reach the heart or brain immediately after waking. This increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors advise sitting for about 40 seconds after waking, then dangling your legs for a minute before standing up. Wearing warm clothing can help maintain proper blood circulation and reduce the risk of strokes.
Stroke Risks Increase During Certain Hours
Dr. Devesh explains that strokes can lead to two conditions of paralysis. In one, the blood supply to the brain reduces drastically, known as ischemic stroke, which has a higher survival rate. In the second, brain vessels burst, known as hemorrhagic stroke, which is often fatal. Notably, strokes are most likely to occur between 3 PM and 6 AM in winter. Therefore, extra caution is advised during these hours.
Summary: Cold temperatures during winter can increase the risk of heart attacks, which may also cause paralysis (stroke). To prevent such risks, avoid sudden exposure to very cold water while bathing.