Valley Doctors issue chill alert for hypertensives

Srinagar, Jan 10: Valley-based doctors have asked the hypertensive people, especially the elderly, to take precautions during the winter to prevent haemorrhages.
According to the doctors, the winter can be a challenging time for the people suffering hypertension, which can also lead to haemorrhages and cardiac arrests.
Dr Abdul Waheed, a renowned doctor, said winters can increase the level of blood pressure particularly in people already suffering hypertension.
“Winters, especially its harshest period chillai kalan, causes higher blood pressure levels. Decreased physical activity and high calorie diet are the reasons for hypertension,” he said.
He also suggested the hypertensive to cover their heads properly and keep their bodies warm especially during nights.
“Cardiac arrests and haemorrhages are often on rise during winters. Sometimes patients who do not keep themselves warm during nights face heart problems,” he said.
“Those who have hypertension need to take precautions like proper medication advised by their doctors, change in dietary habits, and exercise,” he said.
“Hypertensive patients should avoid smoking, salted tea and foods.”
G N Malik, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of General Medicine at the Government Medical College here, said, “Elderly persons are most vulnerable to cardiac arrests during winters.”
He said that exercising regularly will keep the metabolism and cardiovascular system of people healthy.
“Exercise is a must for the people. If people cannot go out for a walk in the morning during winters, they should go for afternoon or evening walks,” he said.
Dr Abid Majid, a General Physician, said that stress was the main reason for high blood pressure among youngsters.
“Youngsters in Kashmir have different reasons for stress like unemployment, changes in lifestyle especially in winters, and junk food,” he said.
He said the people with high blood pressure, especially youngsters, should avoid food with extra calories.
“Youngsters are mostly junk food lovers. Extra calories are collected in the form of fat and extra weight, if taken regularly during winters. They should avoid it to remain free of diseases,” he said.
The doctors also said that people with hypertension should try to avoid breathing in cold air.
“It can cause seizure of blood vessels in lung and stress the heart.”
They advised people to cover nose and mouth with warm clothes while exercising in cold.