Asymptomatic heart patients are especially at risk during high summer temperatures. In the place of a small narrowing of the blood vessel, severe dehydration can create a blood clot that can stop the circulation and put the patient in danger, said in an interview with "Vijesti" prim dr sci. Svjetlana Zeković, talking about the impact of high temperatures on heart patients.
However, as he says, it can also be dangerous for younger people with damage to the superficial part of the blood vessel-endothelium, with endothelial dysfunction or atherosclerosis of blood vessels.
"Summer and the sun benefit the cardiovascular system, but it can also be risky. The heat expands the blood vessels and lowers the pressure," she says.
He says that climate change bothers the elderly the most, because they have little ability to adapt.
"Heart patients have a harder time tolerating extremely cold conditions, but what actually bothers them are sudden changes in temperature, cold-hot or vice versa. A sudden change leads to so-called heat stress," she says.
"Heart patients can hardly tolerate extremely cold conditions, but what really bothers them are sudden changes in temperature"
He explains that the consequence is expansion, dilation of blood vessels, drop in pressure, compensatory acceleration of the heart's work.
"All this leads not only to heat stroke, but also to stroke or heart attack, and sometimes to the fatal manifestation of any disease," says Dr. Zeković.
Without strenuous physical work
He emphasizes that it is very important that the temperature in the house or car should not be higher than 5-7 degrees, compared to the outside temperature.
"It would be preferable to spend a few minutes with the air conditioner turned off, and only then go outside."
He points out that the premises should be regularly ventilated and ensure regular air circulation.
"Also, climates must be regularly maintained, because they are breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms," he says.
During high temperatures, as he states, the emphasis is on taking an adequate amount of liquid.
"Our body contains 75-80 percent liquid. When we feel thirsty, we are already dehydrated. This is most evident in the cells of the conduction system in the heart, as well as the central nervous system," he says.
Dr. Zeković points out that the consequence can be an electrolyte imbalance that leads to other negative metabolic reactions in the body.
"It is necessary to consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day in various forms. Water, teas, juices, soups... and in the summer period and more", he emphasizes.
He also states that it is important to adjust the diet, especially for cardiac patients.
"It is necessary to consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day in various forms. Water, teas, juices, soups... and more in the summer"
"A lighter diet is recommended: salads, cooked food, vegetables, fruits, cereals, fish," she says.
He points out that you should avoid coffee, alcohol, fatty fried food.
"Heart patients and elderly people, in high temperatures, should only leave the house in the early morning and late evening hours and certainly not perform heavy physical work," advises Dr. Zeković.
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