New Delhi – As the India Meteorological Department continues to issue cold wave alerts for the National Capital Region, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences have cautioned the public about serious cold wave health risks that plunging temperatures pose. The warning particularly targets people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and young children who face heightened vulnerability during extreme winter conditions. During a press conference on Monday, AIIMS experts emphasized that cold wave health risks trigger a range of physiological changes across all age groups, urging policy-level preparedness for cold wave conditions similar to heat wave action plans.
The comprehensive warning from AIIMS highlights the urgent need for public awareness and structured governmental response to protect vulnerable populations from the cold wave health risks that intensify during severe winter weather patterns affecting northern India.
Cardiac Complications and Blood Vessel Stress
Cardiologists have identified significant cold wave health risks affecting the cardiovascular system, warning that winter cold puts additional stress on the heart and blood vessels. Dr Rajiv Narang, professor of cardiology at AIIMS, explained that cold weather causes blood vessels to narrow, a process known as vasoconstriction. Combined with reduced water intake and higher salt consumption typical during winter months, these factors can significantly elevate blood pressure levels.
These combined physiological changes create cold wave health risks that substantially increase the likelihood of heart attacks and other serious cardiac events. Dr Narang advised heart patients to avoid early morning walks during periods of intense cold and high pollution, emphasizing the critical importance of continuing prescribed cardiac medications without interruption. The intersection of cold temperatures and air pollution creates a particularly dangerous environment for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions.
Call for Structured Cold Action Plans
Dr Narang made a compelling case for policy-level preparedness, stating that cold wave health risks should be treated with the same seriousness as heat waves. He called for structured cold action plans to protect vulnerable groups, noting that “just as heat action plans exist, cold action plans are equally necessary to protect vulnerable populations.” This recommendation reflects growing recognition that cold wave health risks deserve dedicated public health infrastructure and emergency response protocols comparable to those established for extreme heat events.
Diabetes Management Challenges During Winter
Endocrinologists have flagged specific cold wave health risks for diabetic patients during winter months. Dr Rajesh Khadgawat from the endocrinology department at AIIMS noted that reduced physical activity in cold weather often leads to poorer blood sugar control, creating additional complications for diabetes management. The cold wave health risks for diabetics extend beyond glucose regulation to include increased susceptibility to infections.
Dr Khadgawat encouraged patients to remain active indoors through light exercises, stretching, or yoga to maintain metabolic health despite cold conditions. He emphasized the importance of vaccinations, particularly noting that pneumococcal vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of severe infections such as pneumonia in elderly and diabetic patients, addressing multiple cold wave health risks simultaneously.
Pediatric Vulnerabilities and Infant Care
Paediatricians have highlighted critical cold wave health risks affecting infants and young children who are especially susceptible to cold stress. Dr Rakesh Lodha, associate dean and professor of paediatrics, explained that newborns and premature babies lose heat rapidly due to their body composition, making them prone to lethargy, feeding difficulties, and breathing problems. These cold wave health risks manifest quickly in young children, requiring constant vigilance from caregivers.
Respiratory infections remain the leading cause of paediatric hospitalisation during winter, Dr Lodha noted, making it crucial to keep children adequately covered, especially their heads. The cold wave health risks for children require specific protective measures that differ from adult precautions, emphasizing the need for targeted public health messaging for families with young children.
Kidney Disease and Hypertension Concerns
Dr Sandeep Mahajan, professor of nephrology, identified additional cold wave health risks for patients with kidney disease. He explained that blood pressure tends to rise in winter, posing added risks for patients with kidney disease, most of whom also have hypertension. This creates a dangerous combination of cold wave health risks that can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.
Dr Mahajan advised strict blood pressure monitoring, limiting salt intake, and avoiding excessive consumption of certain seasonal vegetables that can raise potassium levels without medical guidance. These recommendations address the specific cold wave health risks faced by nephrology patients who must navigate both their underlying condition and winter-related complications.
Respiratory System Under Attack
Physicians have reported a sharp rise in breathing-related complaints, identifying severe cold wave health risks for respiratory patients. Dr Sanjeev Sinha from the department of medicine explained that cold air directly irritates the airways, causing them to narrow and trigger sudden spasms in people with underlying lung disease. This physiological response to cold represents one of the most immediate cold wave health risks for vulnerable populations.
These cold wave health risks make patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma particularly vulnerable, leading to worsening cough, breathlessness, and wheezing. In some cases, the cold wave health risks extend to increased likelihood of developing pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for individuals with compromised respiratory systems. Dr Sinha’s warning underscores the critical need for respiratory patients to take extra precautions during cold wave conditions, including staying indoors during peak cold hours and ensuring adequate warm clothing when venturing outside.
