Winter’s Silent Threat: Heart Attack Risk Rises in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 4: Medical experts have raised alarms as the number of heart attack cases during the winter season in Kashmir, posing a growing public health concern.
Doctors identify individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking habits, and those above 60 years as the most vulnerable. However, there has been a worrying rise in cardiac incidents among younger populations.
According to officials at SMHS Hospital and SKIMS Soura,  these leading tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar record an average of 15 cardiac arrest cases daily during the winter months.
Dr. Zahid Khan, a cardiologist, attributes this trend to cold temperatures, which trigger adverse changes in the body, including artery constriction.
“Cold weather exacerbates risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyles, leading to a surge in heart attacks,” said Dr. Khan. He said that about 20% of heart attack victims in Kashmir are under the age of 40.
Substance abuse, particularly heroin, has also emerged as a significant contributor to heart problems among the youth. Experts explain that heroin use, combined with stressors like unemployment and social media pressure, adversely impacts cardiovascular health.
A recent survey from the National Family Health Survey-5 highlights high rates of cigarette smoking in Jammu and Kashmir. The growing prevalence of opioids, inhalants, and codeine further complicates the region’s health landscape, contributing to heart attacks in younger demographics.
Cardiologists explain that heart attacks occur when arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, leading to reduced oxygen flow and permanent damage to heart muscles. Young patients often present with symptoms such as chest pain radiating to the arm and excessive sweating.
Experts called for the need for preventive measures, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances, especially during the cold months. Public awareness campaigns and better access to healthcare resources are also essential to mitigate this alarming trend.