🧊 Cold Wave Directly Attacks the Heart and Lungs; AIIMS Doctors Issue Health Alert

Balasahana Suresh
As a severe cold wave grips northern India, including delhi and surrounding regions, leading experts from the All india Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have sounded a serious health warning. They stress that extreme cold is not just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, especially for the heart, lungs and people with existing health conditions.

❄️ Why Cold Weather Is a Serious health Risk

Cold waves cause the body to respond in ways that strain vital organs:

💓 1. heart Under Extra Stress

  • In cold weather, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction) to preserve body heat. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood.
  • The resulting increased blood pressure raises the risk of chest pain, breathlessness and even heart attacks, especially in those with heart disease.
AIIMS cardiologists warn that this can affect even patients whose blood pressure was previously under control — sudden spikes are common in winter if precautions are not taken.

🌬️ 2. Lungs Become More Vulnerable

Cold air impacts the respiratory system directly:

  • Inhaling frigid air irritates and narrows airways, a reaction known as bronchospasm.
  • This can lead to worsening asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchitis and increased risk of pneumonia.
Doctors at AIIMS describe seeing a marked rise in respiratory complaints in OPDs and emergency rooms during cold spells.

🧠 3. High Risk for Vulnerable Groups

Certain people are at much greater risk during cold waves:

  • Older adults
  • People with heart disease, diabetes or kidney problems
  • Respiratory patients (asthma, COPD)
  • Infants and young children
Infants and young children lose heat faster than adults due to their body structure, making them prone to lethargy, breathing difficulties and serious infections.

🩺 How Cold Weather Triggers health Problems

❗ Key Physiological Changes:

  • Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure → more stress on the heart.
  • Cold air irritates airways → increased coughing, wheezing, breathlessness.
  • Reduced hydration → thicker blood and higher cardiovascular strain.
  • Lowered physical activity in winter → poorer blood sugar control in diabetics.
These changes together raise the likelihood of emergency events like heart attacks or severe respiratory distress if precautions are ignored.

🛑 Practical Precautions From AIIMS Experts

AIIMS doctors recommend simple but vital steps to protect health during cold waves:

✔️ Stay Warm

  • Wear multiple layers of warm clothing — including a cap, scarf and gloves.
  • Keep indoor heating at a comfortable level.
✔️ Limit Exposure to Cold and Pollution

  • Avoid stepping out in strong cold winds or early morning chill.
  • On days when air pollution is high, limit outdoor activity, as cold and pollution together worsen lung irritation.
✔️ Maintain health Monitoring

  • Regularly check blood pressure at home, especially if you have hypertension.
  • Continue all prescribed medications — do not skip doses in winter.
✔️ Stay Hydrated and Active Indoors

  • Drink warm fluids and sufficient water — dehydration can increase blood viscosity and stress the heart.
  • Light indoor exercises like stretching, yoga or walking help maintain good circulation and blood glucose control.
✔️ watch for Warning Signs

Seek medical help immediately if you or a loved one experience:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Severe breathlessness
  • Persistent cough with phlegm
  • Sudden dizziness or fainting
  • Very high or very low blood pressure readings
These symptoms can indicate a medical emergency requiring urgent care.

🧒 Protecting Children and Elderly

Children and elderly require extra vigilance:

  • Ensure young children are warmly dressed, including covering their head and neck, where heat loss is greatest.
  • For the elderly, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure; if they go out, choose warmer times of the day.
📌 Cold Waves Aren’t Just Uncomfortable — They Are a health Risk

While winter might be less dramatic than heat waves, health experts insist cold waves deserve equal attention. The combined effect of low temperatures, reduced hydration, lifestyle changes and air pollution can significantly strain the heart and lungs, especially in vulnerable populations.

💬 Bottom Line:

Cold waves can do more than make you shiver — they can trigger serious heart and lung conditions if precautions aren’t taken. Staying warm, monitoring health, avoiding extreme exposure and seeking help early can make a life‑saving difference.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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