Cold wave triggers spike in cardiac arrests

Mumbai : As winter temperatures go for a spin across the country, hospitals are witnessing a significant surge of around 25-30 pc in cardiac emergencies, a top cardiologist said. According to Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Hemant Khemani of Apex Group of Hospitals, cold air directly affects how the heart functions. “Low temperatures make blood vessels tighten. When the arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart has to work harder to push the blood through the stiffened...

min read

Cold wave triggers spike in cardiac arrests

Mumbai : As winter temperatures go for a spin across the country, hospitals are witnessing a significant surge of around 25-30 pc in cardiac emergencies, a top cardiologist said. According to Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Hemant Khemani of Apex Group of Hospitals, cold air directly affects how the heart functions. “Low temperatures make blood vessels tighten. When the arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart has to work harder to push the blood through the stiffened vessels,” said Dr. Khemani. Elaborating on the direct effects of cold air on heart functioning, he said that low temperatures make blood vessels tighten, when arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart must work harder to push blood through stiffened vessels. Winter also thickens the blood, increasing the likelihood of clot formation and these combined effects create a dangerous ‘demand-supply mismatch’ for oxygen, especially in people with existing heart conditions. This trend has caused concern among cardiologists as it adds to India’s already heavy cardiovascular diseases burden – with nearly one in four deaths linked to heart and blood vessel problems. Dr. Khemani said that sudden temperature transitions - from warm rooms to chilly outdoors - can put additional strain on the heart and risks. “This abrupt shift loads the cardiovascular system quickly, raising the risk of a sudden (cardiac) event among vulnerable individuals.” Lifestyle Patterns Added to these are the changes in lifestyle patterns during winter month that further amplify the danger. Most people reduce physical activities, eat richer foods, and often gain weight all of which combine to raise cholesterol levels, disrupt blood-sugar balance and push up blood pressure. Complicating matters for the heart are the social gatherings during the cold season that tends to bring higher intake of smoking and alcohol, said Dr. Khemani. Recommending basic preventive measures, Dr. Khemani said the chest, neck and hands must be kept warm to prevent heat loss, maintain a steady body temperature and reduce the chances of sudden blood pressure spikes, a low-salt diet, home-cooked meals, shot indoor walks post-eating, adequate hydration and at least seven hours of sleep. He warns against ignoring warning signals such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unexplained fatigue, or sudden sweating, pointing out that “early medical care can significantly limit heart damage and improve survival.” The rise in winter heart risks is not unique to India and even global health agencies like World Health Federation and World Health Organisation report similar patterns. The WHF estimates that more than 20 million people die of heart-related causes each year - equal to one life lost every 1.5 seconds, and the WHO has listed heart disease as the world’s leading cause of death for five consecutive years. Seniors affected more by winter chills Cold weather can hit the heart at any age, but the risk is noticeably higher for men aged above 45 and in women after 55, with the highest danger curve in people over 60, and elders with co-morbidities and history of heart diseases. “People with existing cardiac problems face greater trouble in winter as the heart has to work harder. Even those without known heart disease can sometimes experience winter heart attacks, as chilly conditions may expose hidden blockages or trigger problems due to sudden exertion, heavy meals, smoking or dehydration,” Dr. Khemani told ‘ The Perfect Voice’ . However, contrary to perceptions, cold-weather heart issues have no connection to the COVID-19 vaccine, nor is there any scientific evidence linking the two, he assured.

PM Modi's visit reinforces Sri Lanka's important role in India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy': Prez Office

PTI
Apr 6
2 min read

Colombo, Apr 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka reinforces the island's important role in India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and `MAHASAGAR' vision, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's office here said on Sunday.

Modi Sunday concluded a "very productive" visit to Sri Lanka during which he held extensive talks with President Dissanayake and witnessed the signing of several agreements to boost cooperation in sectors such as defence, energy and digitalisation.

His visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Dissanayake was his fourth trip to the island since 2015. The Lankan leader made Delhi his first official visit after winning the presidential election in September last year.

Prime Minister Modi's "visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme `Friendship of centuries, commitment to a prosperous future', further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka," President Dissanayake's office said in a statement.

This marks has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership, it said.

This visit by Prime Minister Modi "reinforces Sri Lanka's important role in India's ¿Neighbourhood First Policy¿ and `MAHASAGAR' vision concerning diplomatic relations," the statement added.

His visit is expected to yield significant results on collaborating initiatives 'fostering a path towards mutual growth and development,' it added.

Before leaving for India on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the historic city of Anuradhapura and paid respects at the revered Buddhist shrine.

The sacred Bodhi tree at the temple is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, from India in the 3rd Century BCE.

Modi also met with Most Ven Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Great Eight Buddhist Shrines (Atamasthanadhipathi) of Anuradhapura, for a cordial discussion.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.

Responding to a request to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Dissanayake and work towards making it a reality.

The chief monk presented a memorandum signed by the chief Buddhist prelates requesting Buddhists' administrative control over Bodh Gaya temple. "PM Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps", the release said.

Dissanayake and Modi also jointly inaugurated the upgraded northern railway line between Maho in the north central to Omanthai in the north and the upgraded railway signalling system at the Anuradhapura railway station.

The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding from the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of USD 91.27 million. The Maho Anuradhapura railway signalling system was funded by the Indian Government amounting to USD 14.89 million