Cold Weather Caution: Respiratory Infections Could Trigger A Heart Attack – Kashmir Doctor Warns

PK DeskJanuary 7, 2023Last Updated: January 7, 2023

Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel!

Click Here To Join Our Telegram Channel!

Click Here To Follow Us On Twitter

The Doctors Association Kashmir has warned that respiratory infections during the winter season can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

“If you catch respiratory infection, you are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke,” said DAK President and Influenza expert Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan in a statement to ProKashmiri.

Dr. Hassan, the President of the Doctors Association Kashmir, has warned that respiratory infections increase during the winter months and may lead to an increase in heart attacks and strokes.

According to Dr. Hassan, a study conducted at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has found a strong link between respiratory infections and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The researchers found that the risk of both heart attack and stroke doubled in the week following respiratory infection.

The risk is particularly high among elderly and those with underling heart conditions.

The DAK President said respiratory infection causes acute and severe inflammation that builds up fat deposits in the inner walls of blood vessels. These fat deposits dislodge and get stuck in heart or brain, where they block the blood flow.

“Infections can also activate blood cells and the clotting system, increasing the risk of blood clots.” He said.

The president said, The number of heart attack and stroke patients in Kashmir doubles in the winter, with respiratory infections being a major contributing factor

“The risk is similar to the risk seen for other known risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking,” he said.

“Preventing respiratory infections by vaccinating people against influenza and pneumococcus will help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes during wintertime,” he added. (PK)