Respiratory system diseases favor the formation of blood clots, which worsen in cold weather, increasing the risk of heart attack
It’s just time to change for rhinitis, sinusitis and other inflammations to appear. Respiratory diseases, common during the winter, affect almost half of the Brazilian population. Cold, dry weather usually aggravates these diseases, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks. The danger is even greater for those over 60 years of age.
According to the HCOR (Hospital do Coração) cardiologist, Dr. Leopoldo Piegas, the respiratory condition favors the formation of blood clots, inflammation, impaired blood flow and toxins that damage the vessels.
“With this, some acute alterations occur in the wall of the coronary artery, responsible for the irrigation of the heart muscle, which cause the passage of blood to become obstructed, leading to a heart attack,” explains the doctor.
Also, at lower temperatures, there is a narrowing of the diameter of the arteries, which can compromise the correct flow of oxygen to the heart. “With the imbalance, a process of death of the heart muscle (necrosis) begins to occur which can also lead to acute myocardial infarction”, completes Leopoldo.
According to the cardiologist, it’s important to be aware that a respiratory illness and a cold can actually cause a heart attack. “As the number of cases of flu, for example, grows exponentially this time of year, cardiovascular complications follow this curve and can be fatal for thousands of people,” he warns.
Prevention
To prevent this from happening, it is essential that all people have up-to-date flu vaccinations. This is because immunization is able to reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack by about 30%, underlines the professional.
For those in a more susceptible risk group (ie, who have pre-existing coronary artery disease, have already suffered a heart attack and/or are over 60), care should be doubled.
“In addition to vaccination and protection from the cold, with adequate follow-up with the cardiologist, it may be necessary to adjust the therapy to stabilize the diseases and prevent serious complications in this cold time of the year,” explains the specialist.
heart attack symptoms
Leopold also stresses the importance of keeping an eye out for the most common signs of a heart attack. Are they:
- Sudden chest pain that radiates to the neck, back, shoulder, and arm
- Shortness of breath;
- cold dessert;
- Dizziness and fainting;
- Nausea, lack of appetite and indigestion;
- Sudden tiredness.
In the event of one or more symptoms, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
