Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 19: Stress and pollution are significant contributors to heart attacks worldwide, though often overlooked, according to cardiologists.
Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at Government Medical College Srinagar, said that chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure, elevated heart rates, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol, all of which strain the cardiovascular system.
He said that during winters in Kashmir, people struggle to earn a livelihood due to a lack of work opportunities, which leads to stress and increases the risk of heart attacks.
Dr Irfan said air pollution is another major contributor to heart attacks, adding that around 20 per cent of all cardiovascular deaths are due to air pollution.
“Apart from fine particulate matter, exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can exacerbate heart conditions,” he said, adding that implementing flexible work hours and reducing workloads can help alleviate job-related stress, while regular exercise improves mood and reduces stress levels.
Dr Murtaza, another cardiologist, advised people to use air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants. He said that urban areas are more polluted, and people should limit outdoor activities while adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Doctors called for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. They advised people with underlying health conditions to adhere to prescribed medications. Avoiding smoking and staying physically active were also stressed as measures to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
The doctors said that air quality in Kashmir has been deteriorating over the past few years due to the increasing number of vehicles, construction activities, brick kilns, cement production and other factors that emit pollutants, which have polluted the air.
“This could be contributing to a rise in the number of heart attack cases in the valley,” they said. “There is an urgent need to control air pollution to reduce the number of heart attack cases in the community and save precious human lives.”
The cardiologists also observed that heart attack cases are more than double in winter compared to summer in Kashmir.
