Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Docs advise elderly to drink lots of water, cut salt intake ‘Skip Morning And Late Eve Walks Also’

Docs advise elderly to drink lots of water, cut salt intake ‘Skip Morning And Late Eve Walks Also’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.12.2024 


Lucknow : Retired teacher Anil Verma, 68, having a history of heart ailments, was rushed to the hospital last week after experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors told his family that the plummeting temperatures caused his blood pressure to spike. A similar incident involved 62-year-old homemaker Sunita Sharma from Hazratganj. She experienced a sudden rise in blood pressure to 180/120 mmHg after stepping out of bed to use the washroom at midnight. The drastic temperature change triggered the spike, forcing her family to rush her to Command Hospital for emergency care. 

Doctors at the hospital explained that sudden exposure to cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to dangerously high blood pressure. Both cases highlight the increased risk elderly individuals face during winter. “In cold weather, blood vessels constrict, leading to higher blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes, especially in senior citizens,” said Dr Pravesh Vishwakarma, faculty at KGMU’s cardiology department. 

He also advised people to get vaccinated for influenza virus infection. He added that while sodium is essential for bodily functions, excess sodium in the body can worsen high blood pressure and cause complications such as kidney disease, osteoporosis and an enlarged heart. “In winters, reduced sweating and lower water intake can lead to higher sodium concentration in the body, increasing BP risks. People should drink 2.5-4 lt of water daily and limit salt intake,” he advised. 

HoD of cardiology at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Bhuvan Tiwari urged elderly individuals to take precautions. “Avoid early morning or late evening outings to  prevent bronchospasm, which can lead to breathing difficulties and even cut off oxygen supply to vital organs,” he warned. Doctors emphasised staying warm, hydrated and monitoring symptoms as essential steps to mitigate health risks during the winter months.

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