Heart Attack Risk Rises in Winter

Cardiologists Warn Against Ignoring 5 Key Symptoms

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@hindostantimes.com

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NOIDA – As temperatures dip, medical experts are reporting a significant surge in heart attack cases. Dr. Sanjeev Gera, Senior Director and HOD of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Noida, has issued a critical warning explaining why the cold weather is particularly dangerous for the heart and which symptoms should never be ignored.

Why Heart Attacks Increase in Winter

According to the report, there are four primary physiological reasons why winter poses a threat When the body is exposed to cold, blood vessels naturally constrict (narrow) to maintain body heat. This increases blood pressure and forces the heart to work much harder to pump blood.

 Cold weather makes blood platelets "stickier," a process known as platelet aggregation. This increases the likelihood of blood clots forming, which can lead to a heart attack if a clot blocks a coronary artery.

 Extreme cold can cause "artery spasms," significantly reducing blood flow to the heart.

 Doctors warn against "sudden heavy exercise" in the cold. For someone who is not usually active, lifting heavy weights or intense cardio early in the morning can act as a fatal shock to the system.

 5 Warning Symptoms to Watch For

The article emphasizes that even if you were perfectly healthy a few weeks ago, you must watch for these signs Feeling tired or breathless much quicker than usual while walking, Breaking into a sweat even during light activity or in cold weather.

 Heaviness or pressure in the center of the chest that may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or even the ears. Feelings of nausea, indigestion, or unexplained anxiety. Women often experience "atypical" symptoms such as extreme fatigue, irritability, or a sense of unease rather than the classic sharp chest pain.

Dr. Gera advises that high-risk individuals—including those with diabetes, hypertension, or existing heart conditions—should take extra precautions Ensure you are well-covered before heading outside. Consume something warm (like tea or a light snack) before stepping into the cold.

 Many patients mistake jaw or ear pain for dental or ENT issues, but if the pain occurs while walking and stops while resting, it is likely heart-related.If you experience these symptoms, an ECG or cardiac screening is essential to rule out serious issues.

If pain is purely muscular, it may respond to painkillers; however, if the pain is linked to movement, it requires immediate cardiac evaluation.