Statistics indicate that there has been an increase of about 300% in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Indians, especially in the last three decades. Approximately 12% of those affected are in urban India. Apart from the common risk factors including regular consumption of processed food and a sedentary lifestyle, the condition can exacerbate in winter. Those with a family history of the condition must be more careful and take precautionary measures.

Research has shown that each 1°C reduction in temperature is associated with about 200 additional heart attacks — there are 53% more such cases in winter. Lower temperatures bring about a variation in the plasma level of hormones and blood clotting factors. In winters, the heart must also work harder to maintain body temperature.

Speaking about this, Dr Manoj Kumar, Director & Head, Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, said: “Sudden change in temperature causes thermal stress for the body and the latter must work more to maintain a constant temperature. This type of stress has direct effect on blood viscosity, making it thicker, stickier, and more likely to clot. Low temperatures can cause blood vessels to narrow which restricts blood flow throughout the body. This leads to a reduction in the amount of oxygen that reaches the different organs including the heart. The heart, therefore, has to work doubly hard to ensure that enough blood and oxygen is pumped to the entire body. Over time, this can lead to heart failure, especially in people with coronary artery disease (CAD).”