Cardiologists in Kashmir have raised concerns over the rise in the number of heart attacks in winter months and warned people to take precautions to avoid risks.
Each year, the major tertiary care hospitals of Kashmir that includes SKIMS Soura and SMHS Hospital receive more heart attack cases—a trend that has been seen over many years now.
“In the summer months, we see around 15 heart attack cases referred from peripheral hospitals, but this number doubles to 30 during the winter months in the tertiary care hospitals of Srinagar,” said Dr Irfan Bhat, a senior cardiologist at GMC Srinagar.
The rise in heart attack cases in winter months due to multiple factors has not only worried the doctors but it has also added to worries to people, families and communities.
Doctors have been raising alarm over the increased prevalence of heart attacks among the youth, caused by several factors like smoking, tobacco consumption, sedentary lifestyle etc.
He stated that the rate of heart attacks in the valley begins to rise in November and continues until March, with cases particularly increasing in areas where temperatures drop significantly during the winter months.
“Over all the work of the heart doubles in winter and if the heart has a disease it becomes unstable and there is more stress on the heart and chances of heart attack increase,” Dr Irfan said.
Excessive smoking is a significant contributing factor to the rise in heart attacks in the Valley. He said other causes include uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate consumption of fruits, and stress.
Doctors say that among heart attack patients admitted to hospitals, 50 percent report experiencing stress at the time, and 90 percent acknowledge being under prolonged stress, which likely triggered the heart attack. Additionally, young people are increasingly suffering from psychological stress.
“Prevention is always better than cure. People need to be proactive and aware of their health, particularly about their cholesterol levels,” he said adding regular physical activity is crucial, with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise being essential for everyone.
He advised that people over the age of 65 should avoid morning walks in extremely cold weather, as exposure to icy winds can trigger heart attacks in sub-zero temperatures.
While expressing concern over the rise in drug addiction he said there are many such cases and it can trigger heart attacks. “We should avoid junk and fast foods that have preservatives,” he said.
“When people feel pain they should not avoid it and consult doctors. Now young people face heart attacks and it is concerning. Consultation of doctors is very essential,” he said.
“Wherever there is urbanization, industrialization and increased pollution, we have seen a rise in heart attacks. This is a concerning and negative trend. These environmental and lifestyle factors are putting more stress on heart health, particularly in urban areas,” he said.
The cardiologist said whenever there is a suspected case of heart attack or heart pain, the patient without any delay must be taken to a hospital having an ECG facility.
“Older people and those with existing heart conditions are particularly vulnerable and should stay warm when the temperature drops.”
Dr Irfan also said that there has been a rise in obesity in Kashmir and Ladakh which is also concerning.
Earlier this year, ICMR-INdia DIABetes (INDIAB) study for the year 2023-2024 was unveiled at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences ( SKIMS), (Soura) Srinagar.
It revealed that obesity has emerged as a significant health concern in Kashmir and Ladakh, with more than half the population affected, triggering a debate on the rising numbers of obesity and diabetes.
The vital study in the history of Kashmir and Ladakh was conducted from July 5, 2023, to January 5, 2024, revealed that there is a prevalence of 7.8 percent Diabetes, 10.5 percent Prediabetes, 32.4 percent Hypertension and 57.6 percent Obesity in Kashmir and Ladakh.
Dr Imran Hafeez, Additional Professor, Department of Cardiology, SKIMS Srinagar said post Covid-19 a lot of young people are dying due to sudden heart attacks that have been reported.
“It’s essential to move away from a sedentary lifestyle, which often leads to unhealthy eating habits, and instead adopt more active, health-conscious routines,” he said.
Doctors said they have observed that lack of physical activity often leads to obesity, which can result in insulin resistance, hypertension and diabetes. “These risk factors tend to cluster together.”
Dr. Imran noted that, in the past, heart attacks were often considered a disease of the West. However, today, two-thirds of heart attacks worldwide occur in developing countries.
Doctors say earlier, elderly people would get heart attacks but now a sizable number of patients below 45 years suffer from health attacks adding it is involving young patients.
Doctors say when temperature drops, the cases of heart attacks go up. “Prevention is through avoiding exposure to excess cold, using warm clothes and avoiding exertion. Shoveling snow is notorious for causing a heart attack. It is especially important for older people to be careful,” they said.
Dr. Shahid Iqbal Tak, a Senior Cardiologist, recommends following the “6 S” for better heart health: reduce your SALT intake to manage hypertension, control your SUGARS, lower your STRESS levels, STOP smoking, find SOLACE in meditation, and incorporate daily exercise like SWIMMING or brisk walking.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability at the national level. In India, the CVD epidemic is marked by a higher relative risk burden, earlier onset, higher case fatality rates, and an increased number of premature deaths.
As per the Lancet Journal, CVDs are the leading cause of death and disability in the world. “It was responsible for 31.8% of all deaths and 14.7% of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) globally in the year 2017. According to the findings of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study group, globally, there were an estimated 422 million prevalent cases of CVD in 2015, the largest contributor being the South Asian region,” it said.
