 Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 29: As the winter season approaches and considering recent climate changes, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology at GMCH Jammu, in collaboration with Amar Ujala, organized a day-long cardiac awareness cum health check-up camp at Panchayat Gho Brahmana, Block Ramgarh, Samba. The primary objective of the camp was to create awareness about mitigating the impact of winter on cardiac ailments and reducing morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Sushil Sharma emphasized that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide.
There is a noted seasonal variation in morbidity and mortality due to CVDs, with higher incidence rates during the winter months compared to the summer.
Various risk factors are associated with this variation, including temperature, physical activity, air pollution, infections, and dietary habits. Additionally, seasonal fluctuations in the plasma levels of fibrinogen, cholesterol, hormones, and vasoactive substances like vasopressin (AVP), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and angiotensin II have been observed, with these substances tending to rise during the winter, possibly playing a significant role in the seasonal changes in CVDs. While the exact causes of CVDs’ seasonality are not entirely clear, several theories have been proposed to explain the heightened risk of developing these diseases in the winter. Dr. Sushil Sharma stressed the importance of educating people about the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during the cold season.
He emphasized the significance of regular physical activity and dressing warmly during the winter, in addition to maintaining healthy dietary habits, including nutrient-rich foods high in vitamin D and low in fat. Dr. Sushil Sharma also pointed out that individuals at higher risk of heart attacks during the winter include those with a prior history of heart problems, those who have previously experienced heart attacks, individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with a sedentary lifestyle.
He provided valuable tips for managing heart attacks during cold weather, such as limiting time spent in cold weather, wearing warm clothing, getting a flu shot (as winter increases the risk of contracting the flu), and taking necessary precautions.
The efforts of Dr. Sushil and his team in conducting the Cardiac Awareness cum health check-up camp were appreciated by prominent members of the area, including Ram Paul Sharma (Sarpanch), Mukesh Sharma, Parshotam Singh, Shamsher Singh, Satpal Sharma, Rajni Sharma, and Vikas Sharma. The camp also involved the participation of Dr. Yaswant Sharma and Dr. Dhaneshwer Kapoor, as well as paramedics and volunteers dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and winter risks. |
