Winter adds much-needed relaxation to the weather after a long and gruelling summer, especially in India. However, a steep drop in temperature also causes various ailments and heart health issues also increase during this season.
As per medical experts, the heart needs to make extra efforts in pumping blood and oxygen in the body as low temperatures can make blood vessels to contract. As a result, the blood flow gets restricted and heart problems arise. So, let’s discuss how you can look after your heart health during the winter.
Staying outside for a long time during chilly weather ups the risk of hypothermia which can hamper the functioning of the circulatory system. This way a person can have heart-related issues. Hence, wear warm clothes in layers, cover head and face with a scarf or muffler to avoid chilled air outside.
Blood pressure tends to rise during winter and needs to be kept in check. To get going, reduce the salt intake from your diet, lose extra body weight and keep a check on stress. Also, avoid caffeine and smoking to keep hypertension away.
In winter, the heart goes the extra mile in blood circulation to ensure your body stays warm. So, you need to eat a healthy diet in frequent small portions. Spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, berries and nuts can be the perfect diet for the heart in winter.
Avoid exercising outdoors early in the morning as it can trouble your heart health. During chilly weather, it is best to exercise indoors. If you prefer running or morning walks, then switch this activity time to when the sun is visible.
Your body doesn’t get ample energy during chilly weather as the heart uses most of it. Doing rigorous physical activities that consume lots of energy can take a toll on the heart and it can result in heart failure or heart attack. So, avoid doing such activities that overexert the body.
Sweating profusely, shortness of breath, pain in the jaw, arms and shoulders that don’t go away for a long time are signs of heart-related issues. Discomfort in the chest for a longer period should also not be ignored.
Moreover, stay hydrated, keep the room temperature at low levels by letting the sunlight in to comfort your body and heart health to have a soothing winter.