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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.

Türkiye’s Bid to Join BRICS Can Bridge Gap between East & West

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Türkiye’s Bid to Join BRICS Can Bridge Gap between East & West

Türkiye has formally requested to join BRICS, the bloc of emerging-market nations, signaling a significant shift in its foreign policy aimed at expanding its global influence beyond traditional Western alliances. Turkish officials have confirmed the development, underscoring President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s belief that the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from the West toward emerging economies like China and Russia.

 Since its inception with and China, and the addition of South Africa in 2010, BRICS has expanded to include 11members. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joined in 2024. Now known as "BRICS Plus," the group represents 46% of the global population, 29% of the world’s GDP, 43% of oil production, and 25% of global exports.

 Türkiye’s economy aligns well with the BRICS bloc. Half of Türkiye’s natural gas imports come from Russia, while the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China aims to link East Asia, the fastest-growing region, with Europe, the largest single market. Türkiye’s strategic position makes it a key distribution hub for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.

 Türkiye’s desire to join BRICS also reflects its ambition to balance ties in a multipolar world, while still maintaining its obligations as a key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The timing of Türkiye’s application, which was submitted earlier this year, is important. Türkiye has maintained strong relations with Russia. On the other hand It is playing a significant role in NATO which is flexing muscles against Russia. By becoming a member of BRICS , Turkey will become more influential to mediate between Russia and Washington-led West. 

This move can multiply Turkey’s strength as on one side it is an integral member of NATO and on the other side it is growing closeness with Russia and China. 

An official from Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the bid, stressing that it forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Türkiye’s international relations.

 "Türkiye can become more powerful, prosperous, and prestigious by improving its relations with both the East and the West,” Erdoğan said during a speech in Istanbul over the weekend. “Any other approach will harm Türkiye’s interests.”

 BRICS is actively seeking to expand its global footprint, with plans to launch a currency and banking system that could rival the dominance of the U.S. dollar. 

The BRICS summit scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia, is expected to discuss further enlargement of the group. In addition to Türkiye, other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan have also expressed interest in joining. 

 For BRICS members, Türkiye’s inclusion could provide access to significant new trade routes and deepen political ties in the region.

 For the West, however, Türkiye’s possible entry into BRICS is highly significant. By becoming a part of BRICS, Türkiye can serve as abridge between Washington dominated financial institutions (like IMF and World Bank) and BRICS. New members would gain access to financing through BRICS’ New Development Bank, as well as the potential for increased trade and political cooperation. Türkiye’s inclusion in BRICS will also strengthen China-led BRICS’s role at world’s financial horizon.

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