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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

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...

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.

Survive Layoffs with Personal Branding

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Headlines are relentless: mass layoffs, economic uncertainty, and corporate downsizing. It feels like stability has vanished, and job security is a thing of the past. In these uncertain times, the question is not just “Will I keep my job?” but rather “How can I stay resilient no matter what?” The answer lies in one powerful asset that no employer can take away—your personal brand.


Imagine this: Two project managers, Sameer and Neha, are laid off from the same company. Both have similar experience and skills. Sameer has spent years quietly working, keeping his achievements to himself. Neha, on the other hand, has cultivated her personal brand. She regularly shares insights on LinkedIn, participates in webinars, and nurtures a professional network. When they’re both let go, Neha quickly receives referrals and interviews, while Sameer struggles to be noticed. Why? Neha’s personal brand made her more than just a job title; it made her a recognized expert.


Personal branding is your professional identity. It’s the combination of your skills, values, and how you communicate them to the world. In times of layoffs, it becomes your safety net, giving you visibility and credibility. Building a personal brand isn’t about boasting—it’s about sharing your authentic story, highlighting your strengths, and demonstrating how you can add value.


A strong personal brand thrives on consistency and authenticity. Consistency means showing up regularly, both online and offline, to share your expertise. Whether it’s writing LinkedIn posts, contributing to industry discussions, or attending networking events, consistency keeps you top of mind. Authenticity means being true to yourself. People are drawn to those who are real, who share not just successes but also challenges and lessons learned.


Your online presence is crucial in shaping your brand. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter allow you to share insights, comment on industry trends, and showcase your thought leadership. Even if you post once a week or engage in meaningful discussions, you’re building a reputation that extends beyond your current role.


But personal branding isn’t just digital. Offline interactions matter just as much. How you conduct yourself in meetings, conferences, or even casual chats creates impressions. Are you the problem-solver, the mentor, or the person who brings fresh ideas? These consistent, positive behaviors form the backbone of your personal brand. When layoffs hit, those with strong personal brands find opportunities faster because they’ve built trust and recognition. Their reputation speaks for them. People in their network think of them first when an opportunity arises because they know what these individuals stand for.


A layoff doesn’t have to be an end—it can be a pivot. With a resilient personal brand, you can explore new industries, start consulting, or even launch your own business. The key is to have a brand that represents you—not just your job title.


In a shifting world, your personal brand is your anchor. Companies may falter, industries may evolve, but your brand stays with you, growing as you grow. It’s not just career insurance; it’s career empowerment. When you invest in your brand, you’re building freedom—the freedom to choose opportunities, the freedom to stand out, and the freedom to be remembered for who you are. Your personal brand is your story. Make sure it’s one worth telling. Stay tuned to my upcoming articles as I travel and explore another part of this world, I shall be sharing insights from my trip too. Connect with me on my social media handles to stay updated with what’s next in store.


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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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