The winter season brings robust health, but in some cases, this season becomes too dangerous for certain people. The winter season is infamous for a surge in heart strokes. Today, we will tell you why the rate of heart strokes increases during winter and what you should do to avoid this risk?
Why do heart strokes increase during winter?
According to the European Journal of Epidemiology, people who are obese, smoke or suffer from hypertension have a 30 percent higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Besides, several factors get aggravated during Winter that makes people more vulnerable to heart attacks.
- A rise in blood pressure
Blood vessels constrict in winter, due to which blood gets a narrower path to circulate. To maintain the blood flow in the body, the blood pressure increases. Besides, during extreme cold, the blood becomes thick and viscous, which makes it easier to clot. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot. This clot also obstructs the passage of blood vessels to the brain.
- Rise in WBCs
According to an observation, the WBC count increases manifold to protect against colds and flu in winter. This causes plaque to accumulate on the walls of the arteries. This also increases the risk of a heart attack.
Read more: 9 Top Foods For Healthy Heart
How to protect yourself?
You can easily escape this threat with a few simple tips.
Take sunlight for several minutes
Sunlight helps in the formation of Antibodies in large quantities to fight diseases. The immune system makes antibodies to fight any bacteria or virus. The body starts making this antibody in excess due to sunlight. Apart from this, sunlight also reduces inflammation and high blood pressure. Increases the ability of the brain to function.
Increase protein intake
When the body is exposed to sunlight, serotonin hormone is released which improves mood. This hormone also releases carbohydrates. Since the intensity of sunlight is less in winter. In such a situation, because of this, the feeling of hunger is more. Protein reduces the appetite hormone Ghrelin. If 30 to 35 percent of the calories taken in food come from protein, then appetite is reduced. This reduces the chances of gaining weight.
Workout for half an hour
In winter, 30 minutes of daily exercise significantly reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. According to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, people who exercise 30 to 40 minutes a day have a 28% lower risk of depression. Moreover, exercise improves the blood flow in our body and keep our heart healthy.
Also read: Winter Care: You Must Include These Foods In Your Diet To Keep Cold Away From You