Lucknow:Heart symptoms should never be taken lightly—especially during the winter months. Research has shown that cardiovascular deaths spike by about 18 percent as the days shorten and the weather cools. Cold weather, being indoors more often, stress, lack of vitamin D and changes in the daylight to nighttime ratio all play a role in increasing a person’s overall risk of cardiac problems during the winters.

Expert tips to prevent heart attacks in the winter:-

Have a healthy diet :-If you suffer from borderline high cholesterol, you are at a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases during the winter months. Therefore it is essential that, apart from managing cholesterol levels, you avoid stressing out your heart which bears the brunt of high cholesterol levels.

Dont exhaust yourself:-Do not overdo things.Give yourself some rest and take frequent breaks so that you do not overstress your heart.

Dont be an early bird :-Avoid going for a walk in the morning on extreme chilly days. Instead you can go for a walk in the evening when it is still sunny.

Have small meals:-During the winters people end up eating more than they are normally used to. Eating a large meal at one go can put an extra load on your heart. Rather, eat small meals at regular intervals.

Say no to alcohol:-Too much alcohol can cause atrial fibrillation and Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats. If you must drink, do so in moderation.

Keep emergency pills handy:-Pills like sorbitrate help prevent chest pain and act as an emergency pill in the case of a heart attack. But, before you buy the pill make sure you buy and use these pills only after consulting a doctor.

Keep yourself warm:-Its very important to keep warm during the winter months because temperature does have an effect on the cardiovascular system. Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to elevate and blood to become more prone to clotting.

Never ever  ignore the signs:-If you feel any discomfort in the chest, severe sweating, shortness of breath and pain in the neck, arms, jaws and shoulders never ignore these signs. All these symptoms are indicators of a heart attack, and you must visit a doctor immediately.

Regular check-ups:-Prevention is always better than cure .If you have any chronic health condition, especially heart disease, regular check-ups are always advisable.

Follow these simple tips and keep your heart healthy after all you have one.