Dr. Aniruddha Mandal, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist , BM Birla Heart Hospital
Though the rainy season may not be the reason for heart attacks, alterations brought on by it could put one’s cardiovascular system at risk. Temperature, humidity, pressure, and higher infection statistics could make our heart work harder.
How does the rainy season contribute to heart problems?
Temperature and humidity impact: Sharp drops in temperature might make blood vessels constrict, thus increasing blood pressure. Humidity can make the body less efficient in regulating the temperature, therefore making the cardiovascular system work harder.
Inflammation and infections: The rainy season witnesses a rise in the incidence of viral diseases, flu, and respiratory infections. Infections trigger inflammation, which destabilizes arterial plaques, thus increasing the risk of heart attack.
Reduced activity: Activity level goes down significantly during rainy seasons, while diet may change in favor of salty, fried, or processed food; these factors negatively affect one’s blood pressure and cholesterol level.
Fluid and electrolyte balance problems: Too much sweating, dehydration, and inadequate liquid intake might affect blood pressure and heart functionality, which is particularly dangerous for elderly and heart failure patients.
Those who are inclined to be at risk
Those who should exercise caution during the rainy season are:
– Patients with a history of ischemic heart disease
– Sufferers from hypertension or diabetes
– Older adults
– Those with weight problems or kidney disease
– Smokers or those with a sedentary lifestyle
– People with a high level of cholesterol in their blood or a family history of cardiac ailments
Signs that should never be overlooked
– Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention are:
– Continuous pain in the chest or chest discomfort
– Pain traveling to the lower jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm
– Sudden difficulty breathing
– Excessive sweating, nausea, or vomiting
– Unexplained tiredness, dizziness, or fainting
It should be noted that women, older adults, and diabetics can be sick with symptoms not typical for heart disease, such as breathlessness, general tiredness, or indigestion.
Preventive measures in the rainy season
– Maintain the intake of medications you have been recommended.
– Measure your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly.
– Drink enough water unless your doctor advised otherwise.
– Eat healthily and avoid too much salt, saturated fats, or processed foods.
– Exercise indoors every time you cannot exercise outside.
– Seek immediate help in case of a cough, fever, or an illness if it does not go away.
Although the onset of the monsoon itself does not bring about heart attacks, it can aggravate cardiovascular mishaps in the presence of risky environmental changes, infections, and your lifestyle. Cardiac patients with prior heart conditions should be particularly careful during this period. Preventive care, medication compliance, dietary options, and prompt identification of symptoms are the effective ways to minimize the risk of cardiac problems.