“People tend not to think of heat as a natural disaster, but more people die each year from heat outbreaks than from all other natural disasters combined,” warns Dr. Paleev.
And it’s not just about deaths from heatstroke. In addition, against the background of abnormally hot weather, the number of heart attacks, strokes and exacerbations of chronic diseases is increasing. During these periods, the ambulance works under increased load: the number of calls due to hypertensive crises and arrhythmias increases.
However, unlike other natural disasters, heat can be planned for in advance and its consequences can be avoided, says the expert.
“What is considered dangerous to health?” Therefore, for the middle range, the maximum daytime temperature is considered to be +29°C,” explained Philip Paleev.
Who is at risk?
– people over 75 years of age;
– lonely people;
– those who live in environmentally unfavorable areas of the city, for example, next to the highway, on the top floors of high-rise buildings;
– those who work on the street, especially those who perform heavy physical work;
– patients with chronic diseases.
“Let us remember that the presence of almost any chronic disease, as well as acute disorders accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting or fever, is an additional risk during the heat. This has been demonstrated above all in patients with mental disorders, depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVD, arterial hypertension, heart failure), bronchopulmonary diseases, diabetes mellitus, strokes,” warns the doctor.
You can survive the heat without consequences if you know and follow a few simple recommendations:
1. Drink plenty of fluids – at least 2 litres of liquid (including soup, fruit, vegetables, etc.). In hot weather, a person should drink even if he or she is not thirsty. This is especially important for older people who have a reduced perception of thirst. Those who cannot look after themselves (people with reduced mobility, children) need supervision by their loved ones. People suffering from high blood pressure, heart and kidney failure, who for this reason are forced to limit their fluid intake, need special individual control of fluid intake and weight.
The ability to maintain body weight is a better measure of the degree of dehydration than the presence of thirst. A weight loss of 1 kg or more indicates dehydration; in this case, it is necessary to increase the amount of fluid you drink. Consult your doctor.
2. What to drink? Clean water, preferably mineral water, unsweetened juices, fruit drinks and compotes, kvass, green tea. Avoid sweet and highly carbonated alcoholic drinks (including beer), reduce coffee consumption. The recommendation to drink salted water is only relevant during significant physical activity in the heat.
3. A simple rule: “It’s hot – stay indoors, it’s cool – walk.” Remember to take a siesta! If it’s hot in your apartment, look for islands of coolness: parks, museums, shopping centers (there is air conditioning there). Even 2-3 hours in a cool place will help you take a break from the heat and avoid cardiovascular complications.
4. Air conditioning at home is a blessing, but only if used correctly. Keep the indoor temperature at 25°C or 5°C lower than the outside temperature. Large temperature swings are harmful.
5. When leaving the house, wear light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics. Remember your headdress.
6. Take a cool (not cold!) shower more often, wash or clean yourself with cold water, and carry a hot spring spray with you.
7. Limit physical activity in the heat.
Additional tips for chronic patients taking medications:
1. Store them in the refrigerator. Medicines can change their properties at temperatures above +25°C.
2. All decisions regarding changes in drug treatment regimens during hot periods should be made individually by the treating physician.
3. Never stop taking medication on your own under any circumstances. Remember that a drop in blood pressure in the heat is a normal adaptive reaction and does not require any measures unless accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and severe weakness. If these symptoms appear, contact your doctor.
4. Do not prescribe yourself additional medications, including diuretics if your legs are swollen, or aspirin. All prescriptions should only be made by a doctor.
For what symptoms should I call an ambulance?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy or agitation, weakness in the extremities, speech problems, chest pain, rapid arrhythmic heartbeat, shortness of breath, severe difficulty breathing with light exertion.
