Temperatures above seasonal norms pose the greatest risk to heart patients. Dr. Aziz Günsel, one of the specialist physicians of Near East University Hospital Cardiology Department, made life-saving suggestions for heart patients in extreme heat.
In June, temperatures continue to be well above seasonal norms not only in Turkey and Cyprus but also in almost all of Europe. Moreover, the predictions of the General Directorate of Meteorology indicate that summer temperatures will continue to remain above seasonal norms this year.
Extreme heat poses a risk for many patient groups. Heart patients are among the risk groups most affected by hot weather. Near East University Hospital Cardiologist Dr. Aziz Günsel warned about the risks that heart patients may face due to the increase in air temperature and listed the precautions that should be taken.
Emphasizing that as temperatures increase, water and salt loss due to sweating causes an increase in heart rate. Aziz Günsel said that this situation increases the workload of the heart. Dr. Günsel stated that patients with high blood pressure, heart failure, blockage or stents in their heart vessels, or a history of bypass should be especially careful in hot weather.
Nutrition is much more important in hot weather!
Dr. Aziz Günsel also made statements about the precautions heart patients can take in hot weather. Dr. Günsel said that nutrition and the diet to be followed become much more important in the summer months. Dr. Günsel said, “Heart patients should eat vegetable-based, high-fiber, boiled or grilled foods instead of fatty, fried, heavy and difficult to digest foods in the summer months. It will be beneficial to have frequent meals and small amounts of food.”
One of the issues that Dr. Günsel draws attention to is the good timing of daily activities. “It is necessary not to go out or swim in the sea during the day when the sun rays are reflected vertically, to avoid activities that require excessive effort during these hours and not to drink alcohol during hot hours.” said Dr. Günsel, and added; “Going into the sea on a full stomach can be dangerous for heart patients.” The right time for activities that require effort is early morning and cool evening hours. During these hours, it would be beneficial for heart patients to walk or swim in a way that does not over-tire them.” Dr. Günsel also warned, “When complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling faint occur, you should go to the nearest health center and get checked.”
Medication use should be planned according to the summer under the supervision of a doctor.
Dr. Aziz Günsel said that the drug doses of heart patients who use regular medications can be rearranged under the supervision of a doctor, taking into account the air temperature and the changes it causes in the body. Dr. Aziz Günsel emphasized that patients who use diuretic drugs should be careful. “In patients with heart failure or high blood pressure who use diuretic drugs, exposure to excessive fluid loss, weakness, fatigue or rhythm disturbances may occur.” said Dr. Aziz Günsel, and recommended that the drug doses of patients using this type of medication be rearranged under the supervision of a doctor.