Hot weather doesn't just cause heat stroke, but also wary of cardiovascular risks

This July, Taiwan experienced persistent high temperatures, with scorching temperatures frequently hitting various locations, making it feel like a "roasted sweet potato." In such scorching conditions, in addition to preventing heatstroke, people with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease should be especially vigilant. If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, difficulty breathing, nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, or even fainting, don't assume it's just heatstroke; these could be warning signs of heart disease.

Heart disease has long been ranked second among the top ten causes of death in China, with one person losing their life every 26 minutes.hypertensionHigh cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids (hyperlipidemia), obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. While it was previously believed that cold weather caused blood vessels to constrict, making heart attacks more likely, hot weather can also pose a risk.

Dr. Yeh Hong-yi, honorary director of the Chinese Society of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, points out that as temperatures rise, blood vessels naturally dilate. Coupled with the fact that sweating in the summer causes rapid evaporation of body water, the blood becomes thicker, potentially leading to coronary artery blockage and, subsequently, myocardial infarction. Furthermore, dehydration can cause a faster heartbeat, increasing the risk of arrhythmia or heart failure.

Myocardial infarction vs. heat stroke: symptoms are very different

The symptoms of myocardial infarction and heatstroke differ significantly, and the public should learn to distinguish them. Dr. Ye Hongyi explained that typical symptoms of myocardial infarction include significant chest tightness, chest pain, cold sweats, and nausea. Sometimes, menopausal women may experience atypical manifestations such as shortness of breath or back pain. Heatstroke or heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is a systemic heat injury. Common symptoms include dizziness, headache, general weakness, muscle cramps, and even confusion in severe cases. Generally speaking, heatstroke or heat exhaustion typically occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it easier to diagnose based on medical history.

Dr. Ye reminds that if you experience symptoms suspected of being caused by a heart disease, you must immediately leave the high-temperature environment and try to help your body cool down, such as loosening your clothes, wiping with water or fanning yourself, and replenishing your body with cold boiled water or electrolyte drinks containing a small amount of salt. Most importantly, seek medical attention as soon as possible to seize the golden treatment time.

Five tips to protect your heart in summer and cool it down

Director of the National Health Administration, Wang Yingwei, called for:Heart CareIt is not just a slogan, but an action that should be implemented in daily life. Facing the challenge of high temperature, people can start from the following five aspects to protect themselves.heart health :

1. Relieve heat and reduce temperature shock

When engaging in outdoor activities or manual labor, wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses, and always carry plenty of water. In hot, humid weather, it's recommended to set the air conditioner to 26-27 degrees Celsius. Before entering an air-conditioned room from outdoors, put on a light jacket to avoid the significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, which can put strain on the heart and blood vessels. If air conditioning is not used, ensure the room is well ventilated.

2. Eat healthy and stay hydrated

Eat a light diet, consuming more vegetables, fruits, brown rice, and whole grains. Reduce greasy and saturated fat-rich foods. Steaming, boiling, and blanching are recommended over frying. Avoid excessive saltiness to avoid raising blood pressure. Drink at least 2000 ml of boiled water daily and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages. If you have heart or liver disease or need to restrict fluid intake, consult a doctor. Eating more fruits and vegetables also replenishes water, fiber, and various nutrients, which is beneficial to overall health.

3. Exercise regularly, choosing the right timing and intensity

Exercise helps relieve stress and improve blood circulation. It's recommended to accumulate 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, slow walking, or cycling. You can also incorporate exercise into your daily routine, as standing activities, for example, burn more calories than sitting for long periods. Outdoor exercise should be performed in the cooler early morning or evening, avoiding the hottest hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

4. Quit smoking and drinking to avoid cardiovascular diseases

Both smoking and secondhand smoke significantly increase the risk of heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2016 million deaths worldwide were caused by alcohol in 300, 19% of which were related to cardiovascular disease. It's recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If socializing is necessary, substitute tea or water for alcohol for a healthier alternative.

5. Regular health checks to control the three highs

The public can take advantage of the free adult preventive health care services provided by the National Health Administration, which are offered every three years for those aged 40 to 64 and annually for those aged 65 and above. Those with pre-existing high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol should actively improve their lifestyles, monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar regularly, take medications as prescribed, and maintain regular follow-up appointments. Do not adjust or stop medications on your own.

In summary, high temperatures not only test the body's heat tolerance but can also be a hidden killer of cardiovascular disease. Only by being vigilant and practicing healthy living can we protect our hearts and maintain our health during the scorching summer heat.