Heart Disease Patients Advised to Limit Extreme Weather Exposure: Experts

New Delhi: Health experts have cautioned individuals with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and related risk factors to avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions, citing potential disturbances in cardiovascular function.

"Exposure to extreme cold or heat without acclimatization can disrupt cardiovascular function. Patients with risk factors for heart diseases should avoid such extremes," stated Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, in an interview with IANS.

Dr. Salve emphasized the importance of being aware of one's cardiovascular health, including monitoring blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, and diabetes control, before exposing oneself to extreme weather conditions.

Highlighting the risks of winter, cardiologist Dr. Ashwani Mehta from a city hospital pointed out a rise in heart attacks during the colder months. Temperature fluctuations can lead to a spike in blood pressure levels, increasing strain on the cardiovascular system.

"The sympathetic nervous system's response to temperature changes can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, causing arteries to constrict," explained Dr. Mehta.

Research supports these observations, showing that colder weather can increase platelet aggregation and clot formation in arteries, further elevating the risk of heart attacks. The combination of constricted blood vessels and increased clotting tendencies makes winter particularly hazardous for those with heart conditions.

Experts recommend taking proactive measures to protect cardiovascular health, including maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, dressing warmly in winter, and avoiding sudden exposure to extremely cold or hot environments.

For individuals with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or a history of thrombosis, regular health monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential before venturing into extreme weather. Simple measures such as staying hydrated in heatwaves and limiting outdoor activity during peak cold or heat periods can significantly reduce risks.

This advice comes as climate variability continues to expose populations to more extreme weather events, underscoring the need for preventive care and awareness among at-risk individuals.