GMC Srinagar Issues Cold Weather Alert: Heart Attack Risks Spike as Winter Approaches

As winter intensifies, the Jammu region is experiencing a mix of chilly and freezing temperatures. Jammu city recorded a relatively mild 6.1°C, while hill stations such as Bhaderwah (-5.0°C) and Banihal (0.8°C) noted colder conditions. Padder became one of the region's coldest areas, with temperatures dropping to -7.9°C. Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, offered some relief at 5.0°C.

The Ladakh region experienced even colder conditions, with Leh registering -11.6°C and Kargil seeing a temperature of -10.2°C. Drass, one of the world’s coldest inhabited places, reported a staggering -20.7°C.

Weather Outlook

The meteorological department has forecasted dry and cold weather for the coming days, with clear skies likely to intensify nighttime temperatures further. Residents in high-altitude regions are being advised to take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme cold.

GMC Srinagar Issues Advisory on Heart Attack Risks in Winter

The Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, has issued a comprehensive advisory highlighting the increased risk of heart attacks during the cold season.

Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Alarmingly, global statistics reveal that every 10 seconds, someone suffers a heart attack.

The advisory emphasizes the need for public awareness and proactive measures, particularly among high-risk groups.

Impact of Cold Weather on Heart Health

Cold temperatures have been identified as a significant risk factor for heart attacks. The study found that around 10 million people worldwide suffer from disabilities each year due to cold temperatures, and cold weather is responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths annually.

How Cold Weather Affects the Heart

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure and placing extra strain on the heart. Prolonged exposure to cold can also worsen respiratory tract infections, further compromising cardiovascular health.

Air Pollution: A Silent Threat

The advisory also points to air pollution as a major contributor to heart attacks. Pollutants in the air trigger systemic inflammation and impair cardiovascular function, increasing vulnerability to cardiac events.

High-Risk Groups Identified

The advisory highlights specific groups who are more susceptible to heart attacks during winter, including individuals with:

• Hypertension (HTN)

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• A history of smoking

• Previous heart attacks

• Heart failure

Recommendations for Safeguarding Heart Health

GMC Srinagar has issued a series of recommendations to minimize the risk of heart attacks during the cold season:

1. Stay Warm

   • Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature using proper heating systems.

   • Wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and insulated footwear, when stepping outdoors.

2. Prevent Respiratory Infections

   • Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold environments to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections.

   • Consider getting an influenza vaccine as an added layer of protection against viral infections.

3. Modify Outdoor Activities

   • Refrain from outdoor jogging or other strenuous physical activities during cold weather, as these increase cardiac strain.

   • Avoid snow shoveling, a strenuous activity linked to heart attacks, as emerging data indicates a direct correlation between snow shoveling and cardiac events. GMC Srinagar advises residents to "Stay Inside, Stay Warm, and Avoid Shoveling or Heavy Work."

Reference:

1. Cold Weather Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attacks. American College of Cardiology. Available at: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2024/09/02/10/31/Cold-Weather-Exposure

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)