As the late spring and early summer approach, the temperature rises day by day, bringing warmth to people, but for those with heart disease, it can be a health concern.
We often say that "illness enters from the mouth", but in fact, "illness enters from temperature" is also an indisputable fact.
Especially heart patients, in this season of heat waves, they must be more vigilant and don't let the disease take advantage of it.
1. The relationship between temperature change and heart disease is revealed
When it comes to temperature and heart disease, you might think the connection between the two is a bit far-fetched, but in reality, they are closely related. When the temperature rises, the heart of the elderly has to be put under more stress.
Because the high temperature will make the heart beat faster, the blood vessels will also dilate, and the load on the heart will increase, especially for those elderly people whose heart is not very strong, which undoubtedly increases the risk of heart attack.
The numbers aren't intimidating, as studies show that the risk of heart attack jumps up with every degree of temperature rise. Especially when the temperature exceeds 30°C, the risk of heart attack can rise to 40%. It's not a small amount, it's something we have to take seriously.
2. The close relationship between the heart and the skin
You may be thinking, "What does the skin have to do with the heart?" An important function of the skin, the largest organ in the human body, is to regulate body temperature by sweating. But once the temperature is high, the skin has to sweat a lot in order to cool the body, and the heart has to work overtime to keep the blood pressure stable, and it has to beat faster in order to maintain blood pressure stability.
Especially for those elderly people with heart disease, their hearts are not very competitive, and if this situation is encountered, it will be even more unbearable. It's like a fan that doesn't have a lot of power, you have to let it spin at full speed, and after a long time, there is a great possibility of failure.
Therefore, when we enjoy the summer heat, we should also pay more attention to the heart health of those elderly people. Don't underestimate the temperature and skin, they can really affect the hearts of the elderly.
3. Preventive measures: the importance of stabilizing body temperature
In the hot summer weather, heart disease patients need to plan their daily life carefully to avoid heart disease emergencies caused by uncontrolled body temperature. A study published in the journal Circulation noted that people with heart disease had a significantly increased risk of dying in hot environments. Therefore, maintaining a stable environment inside and outside the body is essential for patients with heart disease.
Indoor temperature control is an important link. In hot weather, heart patients should try to stay in an air-conditioned room or use a fan to keep the air circulating to avoid excessive indoor temperatures.
At the same time, proper hydration is essential to maintain a balanced body temperature. Medical experts recommend that people with heart disease should drink enough water every day, but also avoid drinking too much water that can increase the burden on the heart.
In addition, heart patients should also pay attention to their clothing during the summer months. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing can help dissipate heat from the body and reduce the strain on the heart. On hot days, try to avoid outdoor activities around the middle of the day, as this is the hottest time of the day. If you need to go outside, you should wear a wide-brimmed hat and use a parasol to reduce direct sun exposure.
Fourth, the details of life in hot weather adjustment
Adjustments to the details can be said to be crucial for heart patients. This involves not only all aspects of daily life, but also diet and exercise.
A research paper published in Advances in Cardiology mentions that proper exercise is beneficial for people with heart disease, but in hot weather, the intensity and duration of exercise should be tightly controlled.
In terms of diet, heart disease patients should avoid foods that are too oily and high-calorie, which can increase the burden on the heart.
Instead, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which not only provide the necessary nutrients but also help the body regulate its temperature better.
At the same time, it is also very important to limit the intake of high-salt foods, because too much salt can lead to water retention in the body and increase the workload of the heart.
In terms of living habits, patients with heart disease should try to avoid long-term activities under the scorching sun and reduce outdoor work in hot environments.
At home, you should check the indoor temperature regularly and adjust the air conditioner or fan at the right time to keep the indoor temperature comfortable and stable. When you sleep at night, you can use a damp towel or cold pack placed on your forehead or neck to help cool down.
5. Drug management strategies for coping with high temperatures
One issue that heart patients have to face during the summer months is medication management. High temperatures may affect the stability and efficacy of medicines, for example, some medicines need to be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their efficacy.
Therefore, patients and their families should consult with their physician or pharmacist about the storage conditions of the medication they are taking and the possible effects of high temperatures on the efficacy of the drug. A paper in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology highlights that certain drugs used to treat heart disease, such as nitroglycerin, can quickly fail when exposed to heat, so special attention is required.
At the same time, patients with heart disease need to be monitored for side effects of medications, especially in high temperature conditions. Some blood pressure medications may cause people to be more likely to become dehydrated or have low blood pressure in hot weather. Therefore, in the summer, patients should regularly measure their blood pressure and, if necessary, adjust the dosage of the drug, but all this should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Heart disease is not only a physiological condition, it is also closely related to the psychological state of the patient. High temperatures tend to bring discomfort and increase anxiety and stress, which is especially detrimental for people with heart disease. According to research in the journal Psychological Medicine, long-term psychological stress can lead to increased blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack.
Therefore, patients with heart disease should take measures to adjust psychologically in hot weather. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as doing relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or meditation.
The support of family members is also crucial, who can ease the psychological burden on the patient by accompanying, listening, and providing help. In addition, if the patient feels too much psychological pressure, he or she should seek help from a professional psychologist in time.
epilogue
Summer is a pleasant season, but for heart patients, it is a time to be extra careful. Through the above-mentioned lifestyle adjustments, medication management, psychological adjustments, and emergency response measures, heart patients can better cope with the challenges of heat and maintain a healthy heart.
The understanding and support of family members, as well as the active participation and awareness of prevention by the patients themselves, form a strong line of defense against the summer heat.
Friends, let's pay more attention to the hot summer. Family and friends of heart patients should be more concerned, and patients themselves should also strengthen self-management. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and careful preparation can be the key to avoiding a heart attack. Let's welcome a healthy and safe summer together.