11 Devotees Suffered Heart Attack At the MahaKumbh Mela Due To Cold Weather; Precaution Tips for People With Heart Disease

At least 11 pilgrims currently visiting the Mahakumbh Mela have suffered heart attacks, with two of them being critical and admitted to the intensive care units in Prayagraj hospitals, according to news reports. Doctors say it may have happened due to extreme cold conditions, even as millions took a dip in the freezing Ganga River on Makar Sankranti.

According to experts, heart attack cases are increasing due to the constantly changing weather, and devotees should exercise special caution.

Doctors say while two patients have been sent home after treatment, two others were referred to a city hospital after their condition was critical. Earlier this week, the 10-bed ICU ward of the Central Hospital located in the fair was filled with heart patients.

If you have heart disease, staying healthy during cold weather presents special challenges. Doctors say those who have coronary artery disease, cold temperatures can trigger episodes of cardiac ischemia—when your heart muscle is not able to get enough oxygen. This leads to angina pain—when the heart stops receiving enough blood flow—or even heart attacks.

Cold temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict or get narrower. This helps minimise heat loss from your blood to regulate your body's normal internal temperature. Doctors say when your blood vessels constrict, your blood pressure increases and the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the constricted blood vessels in the body.

While everyone should take precautions during the winter, especially those who have a heart is must be more careful. Follow these important tips to stay healthy:

When it is extremely cold outside, limit the time you spend outside or dress warmly in several layers. Cover your head and hands and wear warm socks and shoes.

According to doctors, any kind of strenuous activity during extremely cold weather can trigger a cardiac emergency for a person with heart disease. It can lead to:

• Angina pain
• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Sudden death

Do not become overheated

According to experts, while it is important to dress warmly, overheating can also have adverse effects. Overheating leads to the blood vessels suddenly dilating or widening, which causes low blood pressure if you have heart disease. If you are out in the cold and find yourself sweating, you are overheated. If you have heart disease, consider this sweating to be a danger sign. Stop what you are doing and get indoors.

Winter increases your chances of getting the flu due to low humidity brought on by cold weather and indoor heating. Experts say the flu is potentially dangerous to anyone with heart disease. And so, it is important to get a flu shot and if you are developing symptoms of the flu, talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

Avoid drinking alcohol before going outdoors, as it expands blood vessels in the skin, making you feel warmer while actually drawing heat away from your vital organs.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.