Dr Tariq Rashid - Interventional Cardiologist

04/01/2026

& Risk of

1. Why Increase in

Cold exposure triggers several physiological changes:
• Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels become narrow to conserve heat → increases blood pressure.
• Increased cardiac workload: The heart must pump harder against tighter vessels.
• Higher oxygen demand: The heart muscle needs more oxygen when working harder.
• Increased blood thickness: Cold causes blood to become more viscous → increases risk of clot formation.
• Sympathetic activation: Cold stress triggers release of adrenaline → increases heart rate and can precipitate plaque rupture.

⸻

2. Who Is Most at Risk?
• People with existing coronary artery disease
• Elderly individuals
• Patients with hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Smokers
• Those engaging in strenuous activity in the cold (e.g., shovelling snow)

⸻

3. Common Triggers in Winter
• Sudden exposure to very cold air
• Early morning activity (when temperature and blood pressure both peak)
• Heavy exertion in cold
• Poorly controlled BP during winter

⸻

4. How to Reduce the Risk
• Keep warm: layers, gloves, covering face/nose
• Avoid sudden heavy exertion in cold
• Warm up indoors before going out
• Manage BP, sugar, cholesterol well
• Regular medications and check-ups
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Stay hydrated (cold reduces thirst)

⸻

5. Symptoms to Watch For
• Chest pain/pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating to arm, jaw, or back
• Nausea, sweating, dizziness

11/12/2025

UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF HEART ATTACK

A 65 year old female developed some discomfort in upper part of abdomen . She visited a gastroenterologist friend for stomach related checkup. The doctor after checking her suspected something unusual and ordered an ECG which was abnormal. Patient was referred to us for further evaluation. Patient was immediately taken for Angiography which revealed 90% blockage in proximal LAD supplying major chunk of blood to heart. Immediate intervention was done and a stent was placed successfully and blood flow to heart was restored.

Never ignore pain in chest or upper abdomen. Get an urgent ecg done so that heart attack will not be missed. This way a lot of precious lives can be saved.

02/12/2025

60 year opd female had undergone plain Baloon angioplasty 1 year back. Again developed progressive chest pain for last 3 months. Check angio revealed tight blockage at the angioplasty site. Blockage was opened with a Drug eluting stent. Symptoms have improved dramatically and patient has resumed her daily activities .

27/11/2025

PATIENT with ACUTE STENT THROMBOSIS

65 year old male who had undergone angioplasty and stenting of LAD ( artery supplying 70% of blood to heart). He stopped medications especially blood thinners for last 3 months. On Saturday patient developed severe chest pain and difficulty in breathing. ECG was advised which showed massive MI. Patient was taken immediately to cathlab and angiography was done revealing 99 percent blockage of the stent. The blockage was opened and blood flow to heart was restored early . Patient recovered well and was discharged after two days .

PS: please do not stop medications after angioplasty and stenting otherwise there is a big risk of stent thrombosis and sudden death .

26/11/2025

Google review by one of our patients.

Thanks a lot for such encouraging words .

We promise to work with more dedication and zeal to live upto your expectations .

22/11/2025

STENT IN HEART

19/11/2025

of for Your

Regular exercise helps your heart in several fundamental ways:

• **Strengthens the Heart Muscle: Like any other muscle, your heart gets stronger with physical activity. This improves its ability to pump blood efficiently throughout your body, which can lower your resting heart rate.

• Lowers Blood Pressure: Exercise helps keep your arteries flexible, which allows blood to flow more easily and helps lower high blood pressure.

• Improves Cholesterol: It can help raise levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol and lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood).

• Manages Blood Sugar: Physical activity improves your body's ability to use insulin, helping to control blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Aids Weight Management: By burning calories, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which significantly reduces the strain on your heart.

• Reduces Stress: Exercise is a natural stress reliever, and managing stress is important for heart health.

06/11/2025

Patient with chest pain

29/09/2025