Winter in India arrives like a gentle whisper, draping the land in a cool embrace. The golden sun softens its glare, casting a mellow glow over dewy mornings. Mist dances over rivers, and fields wear a silvery veil at dawn. The air hums with the aroma of wood fires and spiced chai, warming hands and hearts alike.
But wait! Hidden in the chill are whispers of ailments that disarm. The crisp air carries coughs and sneezes, as the season’s nip teases immune defenses. From colds that linger in the misty dawn to fevers that burn under the quilted night, winter’s maladies make their quiet plight. The chill tightens its grip, inviting sore throats and aching bones.
So, winter in India means to be wrapped in care and warm remedies
Winter has a different face in rural parts of the country and is more of a challenge in the urban areas. Winter in urban India presents a paradox of seasonal allure and concealed risks. While the crisp mornings and festive vibes enchant cityscapes, the season amplifies challenges unique to urban living. Dense smog blankets metropolitan skies, exacerbating respiratory ailments and reducing air quality to hazardous levels. The cold, combined with high pollution, heightens risks of asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular strain. Overcrowded spaces become breeding grounds for viral infections, while the homeless face biting temperatures without adequate shelter. Amidst these challenges, urban India navigates winter’s duality, balancing its charm with precautionary measures to mitigate health, environmental, and infrastructural vulnerabilities.
“Winters in urban areas leads to many health risks, one of them is related to rise of pollution in urban areas specially in north india which can lead to increase the value of PM2.5 which can even seen in the indoor air and with consequent respiratory illnesses seen during winters,” says Dr. Sunil Sekhri, Associate Consultant- Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gurugram.
Risk of heart diseases and stroke rises
“There are a number of health issues due to the drop in temperatures in urban areas. It causes a risk of stroke. Blood vessels contract and raise blood pressure due to the cold, which is one of the most important risks that lead to a stroke. Besides this, air pollution during winter increases smog that leads to inflammation and clotting, thereby increasing the chances of strokes,” explains Dr Vipul Gupta.
“The habit of sedentary lifestyles during winter further adds weight and poor circulation, making the risk for stroke greater. The risks are much higher in older individuals and those with existing heart problems,” Dr Gupta adds.
“As the chilly months approach, the drop in temperature often leads to increased blood pressure and reduced water intake, heightening the risk of symptoms like weakness in one side of the body, chest pain, or pain radiating to one arm. Staying vigilant and addressing these signs promptly is crucial,” suggests Dr. Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram.
On the damaging effect of chilly weather on heart health, Dr. Viveka Kumar, Vice Chairman & Chief of Cath Labs (Pan Max) – Cardiac Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket explains: As temperatures drop, the risk of heart-related issues increases significantly. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to higher blood pressure and increased strain on the heart. This can trigger heart attacks, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Older adults, those with cardiovascular diseases, and individuals with diabetes are particularly vulnerable. The cold can also exacerbate conditions like hypertension and increase the likelihood of arrhythmias. Furthermore, physical activity in cold weather, such as shoveling snow, can place additional stress on the heart, particularly for those who are not regularly active.
Respiratory hazards peak in urban areas during winter season
“When the temperature drops, it first hits your respiratory system. It increases the risk of respiratory infections like common cold & cough. Not only the outdoor air quality but the hidden hazard of deteriorating indoor air pollution with small particles of PM 2.5 or less which are dangerous not only go into circulation but affect the patients with preexisting lung conditions like COPD and Bronchial Asthma,” explains Dr Diksha Goyal.
“The air becomes very dry in winters which can lead to increase the incidence of cough , sneezing and also there is an exacerbation of asthma in predisposed individuals. There is also an increase in the number of bronchitis patients seen during the winters in urban populations,” adds Dr Sunil Sekhri.
Other ways winter season puts the health at risk
Dr. Diksha Goyal talks about seasonal depression, which is a least talked about effect of the season on individuals.
It is a thing that makes you feel more lethargic and less happy during the chilly winter season. While the clear cause of Seasonal Depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is still unknown, less sunlight and shorter days are major factors that might contribute to it,” she explains.
She also talks about joint health during the winter season. “Many of our parents and grandparents, nod in agreement with us when winters are blamed for those achy knees, hips, or shoulders. The season can freeze our joint mobility and needs immediate attention for better protection,” she warns.
Who is at a higher risk?
“The most common risk group is individuals above 65, and people with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or a history of heart attacks. These individuals should try to avoid sudden change of temperature from warm indoors to the cold outdoors during winters,” explains Dr Salil Shirodkar, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai.
He further explains: Studies and observational trends suggest that the Cold weather has a major effect on heart health. Mainly senior citizens and those with comorbid conditions related to the heart. One of the most common effects of the body reacting to extremely cold temperatures, such found mostly in hilly regions or northern part of India is vasoconstriction. In this, the blood vessels narrow down to conserve heat but doing so, the blood pressure rises and so rises the strain on the heart.
The condition also increases the count of red blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors, making the blood thicker and more prone to clotting. Such changes often lead to coronary thrombosis or blockages in the heart. Even respiratory infections, which are observed to rise during winter, aggravate this risk by increasing inflammatory markers and clotting factors in the blood.
Several studies have proved that deaths due to heart conditions rise significantly during the colder months, specifically by January. Large scale observational studies have discovered that few biomarkers such as von Willebrand factor and fibrin D-dimer, mostly related to clotting of the blood, peak during winter months. This indicates a biological cause and effect relationship between colder temperatures and higher risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Winter hazards: How to stay safe
“As in any clinical condition, knowing the risks is half the battle won. If you belong to the high risk group, taking necessary precautions will help you avoid the clinical emergencies,” says Dr Salil Shirodkar.
He further suggests: Individuals above the age of 65 or those with existing cardiovascular conditions should stay warm by wearing thick, woollen clothing during the winter months. Avoid venturing out, specifically during the evening and night when the temperatures drop sharply. Measure your blood pressure regularly and seek medical help if you see alarming fluctuations. Any chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic tiredness, palpitations, unexplained fainting or dizziness, feeling nauseated, or unexplained swelling in legs, ankles or feet should be reported to your cardiologists immediately. Stay active by indulging in indoor physical activities to maintain the body heat and a healthy blood circulation. Eat a balanced diet, high in grains, nuts, seasonal leafy green and root vegetables, legumes and warm and healthy beverages like green tea to support the bodily functions.
