To reduce the risk of stroke and dangerous complications, people need to avoid doing the following things.
Why do people with heart disease and blood pressure need to pay attention in hot weather?
According to Dr. Bui Pham Minh Man, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, branch 3, when the weather is hot, the body has to work harder to regulate body temperature, increasing the burden on the heart and blood vessels. Those at high risk of being affected by this weather include:
You should limit going out during the hottest time of the day (from 10am to 4pm).
PHOTO: NHU QUYEN
- Elderly, patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure.
- People with a history of stroke, chronic kidney disease.
- People who are taking diuretics or heart medications.
The serious consequences that can happen to the above 3 groups are:
Increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance : When the body sweats a lot to cool down, it can easily cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (sodium, potassium), affecting heart function and blood pressure.
Sudden changes in blood pressure and stroke : When the temperature is high, blood vessels dilate to reduce heat, which can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting. In addition, hot weather can cause heat stress in the body, dehydration, increased blood viscosity, etc. This creates conditions for blood clots to form, leading to heart attacks and even strokes.
Heart rhythm disturbances : The heart has to work harder to pump blood when the body temperature is high, which can potentially worsen problems such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia or heart failure. This is especially dangerous for heart patients.
4 “small” actions but… big harm in hot season!
From the unpredictable risks that hot weather can cause to health, Dr. Le Nhat Duy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, pointed out things that should not be done to prevent the harmful effects of high temperatures.
Sudden exposure to high temperatures. Going out in the hot sun right after being in an air-conditioned room or taking a very cold shower can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness, fainting or, more dangerously, stroke. Therefore, patients should avoid going out during the hottest times of the day (10am - 4pm) and cover up carefully when going out.
Coffee and alcohol should be limited as much as possible for people with high blood pressure and heart disease during hot weather.
PHOTO: NHU QUYEN
Drinking too much alcohol and coffee. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can make the heart beat faster, causing cardiovascular stress. These are harmful to people with cardiovascular disease - blood pressure.
“People with cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure are often at higher risk of dehydration during hot weather. If you do not drink enough water, your blood will become thicker, increasing the risk of blood clots, causing stroke or heart attack. Therefore, it is very necessary to drink enough 1.5 - 2 liters of water per day, even when you do not feel thirsty, especially filtered water, electrolyte water, instead of drinking carbonated soft drinks or alcohol,” said Dr. Nhat Duy.
Eat salty, processed foods. A diet high in salt can increase blood pressure, retain water, and increase the burden on the heart. Processed foods such as canned foods and fast foods often contain a lot of salt and preservatives, which are not good for the cardiovascular system.
Lack of exercise or over-exercise. Exercise is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health, but over-exercising in hot weather can cause dehydration, heart rhythm disturbances, and increase the risk of heat stroke. Patients should exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, choose gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, and always ensure adequate hydration.
In addition, Dr. Nhat Duy also noted: “In the hot season, symptoms such as dizziness, severe headache with blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain can be signs of problems such as blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Many people often ignore or try to endure, leading to dangerous situations. When there are unusual symptoms, absolutely do not be subjective; instead, you need to rest immediately and consult a doctor for timely emergency care.”
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-hanh-dong-nho-nhung-nguy-co-gay-dot-quy-bien-chung-tim-mach-khi-nang-nong-185250318212807399.htm
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