Take care of your heart this winter

As the weather becomes colder, we see a surge in hospitalizations due to heart-related ailments."Because of cold weather, smog and pollutants settle on ground leading to chest infections & breathing problems. In winter, blood pressure rises and coronary arteries shrink leading to lack of blood supply to the body. As sweating doesn’t occur, the extra water gets accumulated in lungs leading to failure symptoms." Here are a few tips to take care of your heart this winter:
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People with a weak heart should be particularly careful. Though they should continue to exercise regularly, they should modify their timings, so as to avoid extreme weather.
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Salt and water intake should be reduced as there is no loss of these in sweating.
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Regularly monitor BP and if detected high, it should be properly treated.
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Avoiding infections is another important aspect and before the onset of the season, influenza and pneumonia vaccines should be taken so as to prevent chest infections.

If symptoms of infections are observed, they should be promptly treated with proper use of antibiotics. Don’t skip your prescribed medication and follow it up even when you are feeling better.
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Any side effects should be reported immediately to your treating doctor.