Cold weather can make blood vessels tighten, which forces the heart to work harder. This is why experts warn that heart attacks and strokes are more common in Kashmir during winter.
Dr. Irfan, a heart specialist at GMC Srinagar, explains that cold weather affects heart health, leading to more heart attacks and strokes in winter than in summer. When it’s cold, blood vessels get narrower—a process called vasoconstriction. This raises blood pressure and makes the heart pump harder, putting extra strain on it. This can worsen existing heart problems and increase the risk of heart-related issues.
Colder temperatures also make blood thicker and more likely to form clots, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. People with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or those who smoke are more at risk because their immune systems are weaker. Dr. Irfan notes that drinking more tea in winter can raise blood sugar levels, another risk factor for heart problems.
He also mentions that some heart attack patients are misdiagnosed, which complicates their treatment.
Dr. Javid, another heart doctor, advises people to be extra careful in winter to avoid heart issues. He suggests wearing layers of clothing, using scarves, gloves, and hats to stay warm, keeping homes heated, and avoiding long exposure to the cold.
He recommends exercising indoors if it’s too cold outside and avoiding heavy outdoor activities like shoveling snow in extreme cold. To lower risks, he advises eating a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while cutting down on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Doctors also highlights the importance of staying hydrated to prevent blood from thickening. They urge people to know the signs of heart attacks (like chest pain and shortness of breath) and strokes (such as face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech) so they can seek medical help quickly if needed.
