Srinagar;27 Dec 2025: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has issued an advisory warning of a rise in heart-related emergencies during the winter season, cautioning the public that delays in seeking medical attention can prove fatal.The advisory, issued by the Department of Cardiology, GMC Srinagar, identifies individuals with pre-existing heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease, elderly persons, smokers, and those who abruptly increase physical activity during cold mornings as the most vulnerable groups.
GMC Srinagar has advised people to take preventive measures, including dressing warmly with special attention to the chest, head and extremities, avoiding early-morning exposure to extreme cold, continuing prescribed heart medications without interruption, and regularly monitoring blood pressure, which tends to rise during winter months.
The advisory also recommends moderate exercise and warns against sudden strenuous exertion.The medical college has further urged people to seek prompt treatment for respiratory infections, stating that such illnesses can trigger cardiac events during winter.The advisory warns that symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, sudden breathlessness, excessive sweating, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, fainting, sudden weakness, slurred speech or facial drooping require immediate medical attention.
“Timely medical intervention saves lives. Waiting for symptoms to pass can have irreversible consequences,” the advisory states.
GMC Srinagar has also advised people with heart disease to keep emergency contact numbers readily available and seek immediate medical care at the nearest cardiac facility if symptoms arise, noting that most winter-related cardiac emergencies are preventable through awareness, medication adherence and early medical attention.
