Check list against CVDs (To go with Cold weather, smog could lead to rise in heart, lung cases)

* Increase in blood pressure.

* Uncontrolled blood sugar.

* Increased incidence of heart attack.

* Increased incidence of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation & ventricular arrhythmias.

* Increased incidence of acute decompensated heart failure.

* Increased incidence of stroke.

* Increase incidence of sudden death.

Factors responsible for increased cardiovascular disease in winters

* Low temperature.

* Increased Salt consumption

* Increased intake of fatty & carbohydrate rich diets.

* Elevated blood cholesterol levels.

* Decreased physical activity.

* Increased coagulation factors.

* Air pollution.

* Smog.

* Smoking.

* Increased carbon monoxide levels.

* Increased incidence of respiratory infections.

Precautions one should take in cold weather

* Keep warm.

* Avoid fried foods.

* Regular exercise in mid-day avoiding morning chill

* Avoid pollution.

* Do not smoke.

* Avoid excessive use of heaters in closed space.

* Vaccination in high risk patients.

* Prompt recognition of symptoms and early treatment.

* DO NOT DELAY SEEKING HELP AND TREATMENT

--IANS

dg/vt