Press Coverage

• India is the global capital for leading cardiovascular problems.
• Winter winds constrict blood vessels, increase stroke and heart attacks.
• Paras Gurgaon has witnessed a 25% hike in cardiovascular ailments.

Gurgaon 8^th December 2017: According to the Global Health Disease Burden report 2017, heart ailments constitute a majority of the 60% non-communicable disease threats. Doctors at Paras Hospitals have seen a worrisome hike in the number of heart patients in Gurgaon. Multiple factors affect the health of the heart. Increase in pollution has also been contributed as a leading cause of cardiovascular problems. But are heart attacks seasonal? Studies indicated that although you can suffer from a heart attack at any given time, winter season particularly affects the heart’s health. To maintain the body temperature, the heart has to work harder than usual to regulate the body temperature.

Commenting on the rise of heart problems during winter, Dr. D.K. Jhamb, Director & HOD Cardiology from Paras Hospitals Gurgaon says “In 2016 I treated 75-80heart patients per month by coronary angioplasty. In December of 2017, it has risen to 130 heart patients per month. This is a worrisome and leaping increase. With the coming of holidays and New Year celebrations, people have resorted more than ever to unhealthy eating. During winters, the heart is conditioned to pump the blood faster than usual to maintain the body temperature. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, you raise your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. The drop in temperature of the body can also contribute to heart attacks.”

The rise in blood pressure can also increase the chances of blood clots. There are silent signs of heart attack that shouldn’t be ignored. The sudden perspiration, aching muscles, dizziness etc are some of the signs that one should watch out for. Imbalance of hormones is another reason that increases the chances of cardiovascular ailments. The altering lifestyles and environments are also some important risk factors. The rising air pollution has become the second largest cause of rising in non-communicable diseases.

Cardiologists at Paras Hospitals Gurgaon advice on how to keep your heart healthy Dr. Jhamb Director&HOD Cardiology says “Although we cannot always avoid physical exertion, sudden weight-lifting puts a stress on the heart which it might not be equipped to deal with. Not just toxic air, people should especially be aware of changing temperatures. From the comfort of your room to the chilly winds outside, this causes strain on the body’s metabolism and can give rise to various ailments. Keeping your cholesterol and sugar under control is an absolute necessity. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol is advisable. Other than heart attacks, various ailments like winter allergies, lung diseases, and asthma are on the rise. Maintaining a healthy diet should be self-willing activity. Do not ignore the symptoms that indicate a heart attack.”. This happens more so in winters with the heart working twice as hard. Cardiologists not only advised us to dress warmly but also be under constant vigil regarding cardiovascular problems.