A severe cold wave gripping Punjab has triggered a public health emergency in Ludhiana, with hospitals recording a alarming surge in patients suffering from hypertension and serious heart conditions. Medical authorities warn that the plummeting temperatures are acting as a direct physiological trigger, escalating the risk of strokes and heart failures across the city.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Cases Skyrocket
Leading healthcare institutions are witnessing a significant influx of patients. At the prominent Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), the daily caseload for hypertension has surged by 15%. Doctors, who typically attend to about 100 hypertension patients on normal days, are now seeing approximately 115 cases daily, with many presenting dangerously high and uncontrolled blood pressure readings.
This troubling trend is not confined to older adults. Dr. Shivam Dutt from the Department of Medicine at Ludhiana's Civil Hospital has noted a 5% to 10% increase in hypertension cases, with a concerning number of patients being young adults in their 20s and 30s.
The Science Behind the Seasonal Surge
Cardiologists pinpoint vasoconstriction as the primary culprit. Dr. Bishav Mohan, Chief Cardiologist at DMCH, explains that in cold weather, blood vessels narrow to conserve body heat. This involuntary process forces the heart to pump harder, dramatically increasing blood pressure and straining the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Gajinder Pal Singh Kaler, a senior cardiology consultant, adds that the heart is compelled to work significantly harder to maintain core temperature. This extra burden, combined with heightened winter pollution and common dietary shifts towards richer foods, creates a perfect storm for heart attacks and strokes. Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, weakness, and breathlessness are becoming frequent complaints in clinics.
Adopting a Winter-Safe Lifestyle
In response to this crisis, medical professionals are urgently advising residents to adopt protective measures. Key recommendations include:
- Strict salt restriction and careful weight management.
- Shifting exercise routines indoors to avoid the hazardous freezing air of early mornings and evenings.
- Maintaining proper hydration and ensuring the body stays warm.
- Patients with existing conditions should consult doctors to adjust medication for the season.
The advice is being taken seriously by residents. One anonymous patient shared that he has completely altered his routine, avoiding fatty winter comfort foods and moving his daily walks indoors to prevent dangerous blood pressure spikes.
Specialists emphasize that these simple yet vital steps are crucial for reducing the risk of hospital admission due to heart failure or stroke during the peak of this cold wave.
