British News Agency

''Dress to maintain your body temperature''

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan, a cardiologist at Acıbadem Dr. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital, mentioned that strong, windy autumn weather can increase heat loss in the chest area, potentially raising the risk of coronary spasms and, consequently, heart attacks. He advised, "To protect your heart health, try not to go outdoors on particularly windy days if possible. If you must, make it a habit to dress in a way that protects your chest area. Additionally, wearing thick thermal underwear underneath your clothes can help maintain your body temperature constant."

''Exercise indoors on windy days''

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for heart health during the autumn season. He mentioned that 30 minutes of brisk walking on at least four days a week can reduce the risk of a heart attack. It is recommended to opt for indoor spaces for walking on cold and windy days.

''Avoid walking in the morning''

Another important point to consider in the autumn season is the timing of your walks, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan. On cold days, especially when it's windy, morning walks can have a negative impact on your heart health, as the elasticity of coronary arteries is lower in the morning, leading to increased stress on the heart. Therefore, if you walk in the morning, choose a slow pace and stop your walk if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath. The most ideal time for walks in the autumn is around noon when the cold subsides."

''Avoid exercising immediately after eating''

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan explained that the amount of blood flowing from the blood vessels of the digestive system to the stomach and intestines increases after eating, along with an increase in heart rate, but this is a physiological condition. He continued: "However, in the case of cardiovascular diseases, the risk of a heart attack due to physical activity can be increased after a heavy meal because of the reduced coronary blood flow. So, if you have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, try to perform your exercises at least an hour after a light meal or 3-4 hours after lunch or dinner."