Srinagar, Jan 02: Renowned cardiologist Dr Showkat Shah on Friday urged people to take precautions during the winter season for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Dr Shah said, “People should keep themselves warm by dressing in layers and using hats, gloves and warm socks to prevent rapid heat loss.”
He advised avoiding sudden physical exertion in cold conditions, such as heavy shovelling, and recommended indoor exercise or proper warm-up before any activity.
Highlighting the importance of hydration, Dr Shah said that dehydration during winter can thicken the blood, increasing the risk of clot formation. “People should drink adequate warm fluids and eat a healthy diet,” he added.
Dr Shah advised the people to eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats and fish, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado.
He recommended following dietary patterns such as the DASH or Mediterranean diets.
Dr Shah cautioned against excessive consumption of salt, sugar, sweetened beverages, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, processed foods, saturated fats and trans fats, which are known to raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Emphasising lifestyle changes, he strongly advised quitting smoking, calling it one of the most preventable causes of heart disease and a major risk factor for heart attacks. He also recommended sound sleep of seven to eight hours daily and effective stress management through meditation, deep breathing or engaging in hobbies.
Dr Shah urged patients with hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol to take their prescribed medications regularly and not neglect heart medicines during winter.
He appealed to the public to remain alert to warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, and to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms appear, stating that early diagnosis and timely treatment can save lives—(KNO)
