STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In view of recent climate change and upcoming winter season Head Department of cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a cardiac awareness cum health checkup camp at Vishwakarma Temple Mishriwala, Jammu with main focus to reduce the impact of winter season on cardiac ailments and decrease the morbidity and mortality. Interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that Cold weather exerts a significant influence on cardiovascular health by triggering a physiological response in which blood vessels constrict, leading to increased blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder than usual, thereby placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
When temperatures drop, this vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the skin to conserve heat, but in doing so, it increases the workload on the heart and raises the risk of adverse events, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart disease. Alongside this natural response, lifestyle changes during winter such as decreased physical activity, weight gain due to heavier food intake, and increased indoor time further contribute to worsening heart health. He elaborated that the combination of narrowed arteries, elevated blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular resilience can heighten the likelihood of angina, arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes. Moreover, cold weather can cause the body to release more stress hormones like adrenaline, which further elevates the heart rate and blood pressure, compounding the strain. Even sudden exposure to cold, such as stepping out into chilly air or engaging in strenuous activity, can precipitate acute cardiac events by rapidly increasing oxygen demand in the heart. Thus, understanding this interplay between cold temperatures and cardiovascular physiology is crucial for adopting protective strategies during winter months. These include wearing adequate warm clothing, avoiding sudden heavy exertion, maintaining regular exercise indoors, adhering to heart-healthy diets, monitoring blood pressure, staying hydrated, managing stress, and ensuring timely intake of prescribed medications. Recognizing symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations becomes even more important in cold seasons. He added that in addition to the direct physical effects of cold on the cardiovascular system, winter also influences heart health through behavioral and environmental shifts that often go unnoticed. Shorter daylight hours can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to increased fatigue, mood changes, and decreased motivation for exercise all of which indirectly weaken cardiovascular resilience. Many individuals also consume more salty, sugary, and high-fat comfort foods during colder months, which can cause fluid retention, weight gain, and elevated cholesterol levels, further straining the heart. Even indoor heating systems can contribute by causing dehydration, which thickens the blood slightly and makes circulation more demanding for the heart. Infections trigger systemic inflammation, elevate metabolic demands, and can destabilize plaque in coronary arteries, increasing the risk of acute events like myocardial infarction. Fever, dehydration, and reduced appetite during illness also worsen heart strain. This makes timely vaccination, early treatment of infections, adequate hydration, and careful monitoring of symptoms essential during cold weather. By recognizing these interconnected winter-related triggers, individuals and clinicians can better anticipate risks and adopt protective measures that safeguard heart health throughout the season, He said. Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks told that cold weather silently challenges the cardiovascular system by increasing blood pressure, raising heart workload, and amplifying the effects of existing risk factors, making winters a vulnerable period for heart patients. Awareness, preventive habits, and early symptom recognition are powerful tools in reducing winter-related cardiac events. By staying warm, remaining active, eating wisely, and following medical advice closely, individuals can significantly protect their heart health throughout the colder months. Management Committee of the Vishwakarma Temple Raman Chalotra, Rashpal Verma, Mangal Dass, Balwant Kataria, Joginder Angotra and Om Prakash Kataria appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil for conducted camp. Others present were Dr Bhola Kumar and Dr Aditya Sharma. Paramedics and Volunteers includes Kamal Sharma, Ranjeet Singh, Rajinder Singh , Vikas Kumar, Manoj Sharma, Rahul Vaid, Maninder Singh, Shubham, Mukesh, Abhishek, Sanjay Singh and Nirvair Singh Bali.