Extra precautions required to reduce risk of high BP, brain stroke during winters

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: As Kashmir valley is in the grip of 40 days harsh Chillai-e-Kalaan, the temperature is constantly recorded below zero. Jan 5, 2023 was the season’s coldest night in Srinagar where the temperature was recorded at minus 6.5 degree Celsius. With the constant dip in temperatures to sub-freezing levels in Kashmir valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has said if you catch respiratory infection you are at increased risk of having a heart attack. “Falling temperatures in winter cause hike in blood pressure which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, the two leading causes of death and disability in the valley,” said DAK President. He said high blood pressure, also called hypertension, is harder to control in winter. Even healthy people aren’t off the hook. They tend to have high blood pressure in winter. “When winter arrives and temperatures drop, there is only one place where mercury rises and that is in blood pressure gauges,” he said. According to IMD north India including Jammu is in the grip of cover of fog and cold, people are facing hardships due to lack of proper heating arrangements. On Jan 6, in Utter Pradesh, 25 people died in a single day due to heart attack and brain stroke and it was claimed that these deaths occurred due to severe cold wave in the city. The DAK President said frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels which increase blood pressure because more pressure is needed to force blood through narrowed vessels. “Hormones, like adrenaline and nor-adrenaline increase in response to cold which cause spike in blood pressure,” he said adding, “Lack of sunlight during winter reduces vitamin-D levels which increases blood pressure. While we can’t change the weather simple precautions can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure in winter. Keep yourself warm to prevent from cold temperature. If you move out, dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Avoid going in chill for walk and move your workout inside. Reduce salt intake and take diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Don’t forget to take your vitamin D.” The DAK further advised, “People who are on treatment for high blood pressure need to monitor their blood pressure more frequently during winter as they may need increase in doses or addition of drugs to keep their blood pressure under control.”