Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 28: With Kashmir in the grip of a harsh winter, the Department of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Saturday issued a public advisory warning of a sharp rise in cardiac emergencies, cautioning that delays in treatment can prove fatal.

Medical experts said extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a rise in blood pressure and increased strain on the heart. This physiological response is known to significantly elevate the risk of heart attacks, particularly during peak winter months.

The advisory noted that individuals with existing heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, and those suffering from hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease are especially vulnerable. Elderly people, smokers and individuals who suddenly increase physical activity during cold mornings are also at heightened risk.

Doctors urged people to take preventive measures, including dressing warmly with special attention to the chest, head and extremities, and avoiding exposure to extreme cold during early mornings. Patients were advised to continue prescribed heart medications without interruption, monitor blood pressure regularly as winter readings often rise, and engage only in moderate physical activity, avoiding sudden strenuous exertion.

The advisory also stressed the importance of seeking prompt treatment for respiratory infections, which can act as triggers for cardiac events during winter.

“Timely medical intervention saves lives. Waiting for symptoms to pass can have irreversible consequences,” the cardiology department cautioned, urging those with heart disease to keep emergency contact numbers readily available and seek immediate care at the nearest hospital.

Most winter-related cardiac emergencies are preventable with awareness and timely action, the advisory added.