Cardiologist warned about the danger of an ice shower in the heat

Cold water causes a sharp narrowing of blood vessels, including skin capillaries, which actually prevents the body from cooling naturally. At the same time, there is a centralization of blood flow, leading to spikes in blood pressure and increased heart rate. On July 10, Nana Pogosova, Deputy Director General for Scientific and Analytical Work and Preventive Cardiology at the Chazov National Research Medical Center of Cardiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Izvestia.

"Although such changes are usually not dangerous for healthy people who have gradually adapted to cold procedures, they can provoke arrhythmias and other complications for heart patients," she warned.

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A particular danger is cold shock, which can occur when suddenly immersed in water with a temperature of +2 to +15 degrees. This condition is accompanied by panic, impaired breathing, a sharp increase in blood pressure, weakness, and even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, cold shock can cause acute cardiovascular events in people of any age and health status.

The cardiologist recommends to refrain from extreme cooling without prior preparation. You should start with cool water, gradually lowering the temperature and increasing the time of the procedures. Special attention should be paid to the breathing technique: inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. People with cardiovascular diseases should consult a doctor before such practices.

As an alternative, the expert suggests local cooling of areas with superficially located vessels — wrists, feet, and others. It is also important to avoid overheating before cold douches. These measures will help you safely endure the heat without risking your health.

"Sudden temperature changes create an extreme strain on the cardiovascular system. Such experiments are especially dangerous for untrained people in conditions of abnormal heat," Pogosova concluded.

Earlier, on July 7, Alexander Shuvalov, head of the Meteo forecasting center, said that the hottest days are expected in Moscow in the second half of this week. According to him, there will be no rain from Wednesday to Friday, and the temperature in the city center may reach +35 degrees.