12:46 - 27.06.2018

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With the onset of hot and stuffy weather, complaints from patients with cardiovascular diseases are becoming more frequent. The increase in air temperature even by 1 degree leads to an increase in heart rate by ten beats per minute in hypertensive patients and respiratory movements up to 4-5 units per minute, resulting in increased pressure. Some epidemiological studies have shown that during hot summer days the highest number of deaths is associated, in particular, with heart disease.

Why hot and stuffy weather is dangerous?

Heat leads to loss of fluid, salts and electrolyte balance in the body. At the same time, the blood thickens and its coagulation increases.

How it happens? The skin plays an important role in regulating the body temperature, that is, in thermoregulation. The vessels of the skin shrink in the cold and expand in hot weather. Thus, temperature either reduces or increases. And this, in turn, increases the workload of the heart and requires even more and faster work of the heart.

What to do in such cases?

Taking into account the above, doctors do not recommend hypertensive patients to be outdoors at temperatures above +27°C, and especially in the afternoon. If necessary, such patients should observe the following rules:

- before leaving the house take the medicine for pressure;

- be sure to keep water and medicine for pressure;

- avoid heavy and fatty foods;

- eat more fresh fruits and vegetables;

- try to stay in the shade, away from direct sunlight;

- pay attention to even minor changes in your mood;

- avoid heavy physical labor;

- cover your head with some headdress (hat, handkerchief);

- reduce the amount of salt consumed (a large amount of salt causes an increase in pressure);

- choose comfortable clothes of light colors in which you will not sweat;

- take at least 2 liters of liquid during the day;

- to cool the body it is not recommended to take a cold shower, as in case of high temperature of the body it is impractical to stand sharply under cold water. Enter gradually into the sea or swimming pool, without stress to your body.