Heart attack cases are rising rapidly during the winter season, becoming a health concern. Experts say that thickening of the blood due to cold weather can sometimes trigger a heart attack. This thickening can cause blood clots, which can travel from the lungs to the heart via the veins in the legs and cause serious damage. Heart disease was once thought to be associated with the elderly, but it has now spread to young people.

In winter, cases of heart attacks and sudden death are increasing rapidly, especially among those aged 20 to 40. The biggest reason for this is thickening of the blood, which silently poses a threat to the body. Today’s youth spend long hours in front of screens, eat junk food, drink less water, and avoid exercise. These habits become even more dangerous in winter. The cold reduces physical activity and sweating. This increases dehydration, which in turn causes thickening of the blood.

This is how the problem begins
Dr. Jeet Ram, Professor and Head of Cardiology Department, GMCH-32, said that due to thickening of blood, clots form in the veins of the legs. These clots reach the heart through the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain and sometimes sudden heart failure. This problem is dangerous even in the youth because they often ignore the initial symptoms thinking themselves fit. In winter, the risk of heart attack is highest between 4 am to 10 am. During this time, blood pressure naturally increases and the cold shrinks the veins. This time is even more sensitive for those youth who start their workout or rush to the office in the morning.

Cases of young people aged 20 to 25 years are coming to the OPD of GMCH-32.
The OPD at GMCH-32 sees 4-6 heart patients every day. Most of these patients are between 50 and 60 years of age. There have also been cases of young people between 20 and 25 years of age. Excessive junk food, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress are the main causes. Previously, heart patients were mostly young people over 40, but now patients under 40 are also returning to the hospital for treatment. The risk of heart disease increases during hormonal changes in women after menopause. In children, less playtime, excessive video game play, and screen time or study stress are also considered causes of heart disease.

Don’t give up the habit of drinking water in winter, avoid junk food
Another mistake that young people are generally making is excessive use of heaters. Doctors say that too much external heat can disturb the natural temperature of the body. Wearing warm clothes, hats, gloves and spending some time in the sun prevents blood from thickening. Experts advise that young people should not give up the habit of drinking water even in winters. Drink warm water frequently, reduce junk food and do light exercise daily. Natural things like turmeric, ginger and garlic prevent the formation of blood clots. Young people should understand that cigarettes, alcohol and constant stress are the biggest enemies of the heart.

These are the reasons for thickening of blood in winter:
Dehydration
Narrowing of blood vessels
Low physical activity
Reduced sweating
Increased blood pressure
High-Fat Diet
Vitamin D deficiency
The immune system’s stress response
High cholesterol and poor diet
Too much mental stress
Obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption

PC:Punjab Kesari