Doctors warned about the risk of heart complications in hot weather

Abnormally high temperatures pose a serious threat to the cardiovascular system. Doctors from leading clinics and medical centers told the Delovoy Peterburg newspaper about this on July 29.

"Temperatures above 25 degrees are already uncomfortable for the body, vascular spasm and fluid retention may occur," said Vera Serezhina, an expert at the LabQuest medical company.

At the same time, according to her, the load on the heart increases, and its blood supply itself deteriorates due to lack of oxygen and loss of trace elements such as potassium and magnesium.

Ekaterina Gergesova, a consultant at Lab4U Laboratory, added that the risk of heart attacks and other complications increases significantly during hot periods, especially in the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. She also noted that even in healthy people, heat can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance, which manifests itself in the form of weakness, seizures, arrhythmia and dizziness.

According to Gergesova, when the air temperature and humidity are high, sweat evaporates worse, and the body loses its ability to effectively cool down. This can lead to heat stroke, a condition in which the body temperature reaches 40°C or higher, threatening vital organs.

According to Stanislav Bedritsky, head of the Department of Functional Diagnostics at the National Medical Research Center "Treatment and Rehabilitation Center" of the Russian Ministry of Health, mortality from cardiovascular diseases increases by 10-15% during abnormal heat waves. He stressed that hypertensive patients, heart failure patients, heart attack survivors, and people with arrhythmias become especially vulnerable in such weather.

Lyubov Goren, head of the Cardiology department of the Leningrad Regional Clinical Hospital, explained that in the heat, the human body activates thermoregulation mechanisms — blood vessels expand and heat transfer increases, which causes pressure to drop. According to her, fluid loss and blood clots increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and thrombosis.

"Firstly, vasodilation to increase blood flow to the skin and facilitate heat transfer. Secondly, increased sweating to cool the skin by evaporation. However, in the presence of cardiovascular diseases and taking certain medications, the adaptation mechanisms aimed at reducing body temperature may be disrupted," said Daria Kuleshova, Head of the inpatient department at the MMC clinic on Malaya Konyushennaya.

She pointed out that even over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines and analgesics, can reduce the body's ability to cool down.

Ekaterina Barskaya, a general practitioner at the First Family Clinic in St. Petersburg, emphasized that when taking medications, unstable blood pressure, heart failure, weakness and shortness of breath in the heat can be a signal for correcting therapy and a reason to consult a doctor. Barskaya added that children and the elderly are at risk, and it is especially important to monitor their condition.

Doctors emphasize that despite the danger, heat is easier to tolerate if simple recommendations are followed. So, Goren advises paying attention to palpitations, rhythm disturbances, dizziness, weakness and chest pain — these symptoms require resting in the shade and drinking water. She recommended drinking 100-200 ml of water every 20-30 minutes, avoiding sugary and alcoholic beverages, and drinking coffee in moderation.

As for nutrition, Seryozhina noted that in the heat it is better to give preference to vegetables, fruits and herbs rich in potassium and helping to cool the body.

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On July 15, Zainudin Zainudinov, chief physician of the clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Nutrition and Biotechnology, nutritionist, pointed out that failure to follow proper nutrition in the summer can lead to an exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases, as well as cause fluctuations in blood pressure. Zainudinov added that the risk of food poisoning increases in the heat due to possible violations of food storage conditions.