Is myocardial infarction more dangerous in summer? Medical warning: The risk of death increases by 3% for each degree increase
“Myocardial infarction”, which often occurs in winter or cold snaps, may actually occur in hot summer? Dr. Su Yanbo of the Cardiovascular Center of Cathay General Hospital said that he had previously treated a 70-year-old male patient who was sent to the emergency room because he collapsed while exercising in the park at noon. The electrocardiogram at that time showed “acute myocardial infarction”. If left untreated, the mortality rate would be as high as 30%, and the situation was very dangerous. Fortunately, the medical team performed emergency cardiac catheterization surgery, successfully opened the patient’s heart vessels and placed an intravascular stent. After 2 weeks of intensive treatment, he was successfully discharged from the hospital.
How dangerous is a myocardial infarction in summer? Medical warning: The risk of death increases by 3% for each degree increase
At that time, the patient’s family members were particularly confused, mistaking myocardial infarction for heatstroke due to hot weather, and believed that cardiovascular diseases only occur when the weather is cold or a cold wave comes. Dr. Su Yanbo pointed out that the sudden drop in temperature in winter can easily cause vasoconstriction or even spasm. If the blood vessels are already narrowed, it is more likely to worsen and cause acute symptoms. This is why people generally believe that myocardial infarction mostly occurs when the weather is cold.
According to epidemiological studies in Taiwan and abroad, winter is indeed the season when myocardial infarction is most common. However, when the temperature rises sharply in summer, the number of emergency department visits for acute coronary heart disease also increases with the rise in temperature. Dr. Su Yanbo explained that when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees, the risk of acute coronary heart disease will gradually increase. When the temperature exceeds 31 degrees, the risk will increase by nearly 30%; for every 1 degree increase, the overall risk of death will increase by 3%. If the patient is elderly or has diabetes, excessive temperature will increase the risk of death from coronary heart disease.
Why does high temperature increase cardiovascular risk? Excessive dehydration may lead to death from “arrhythmia”
Myocardial infarction, also known as “acute coronary heart disease”, is usually caused by the gradual degeneration of the coronary arteries that supply nutrients to the heart due to age, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, etc., causing plaque accumulation in the endothelium of the blood vessels, causing obstruction, and then causing Symptoms include myocardial hypoxia and chest tightness and pain. If the accumulated plaque unfortunately causes acute blockage of coronary blood flow, it may even cause shock or sudden death.
Why does high temperature increase the risk of cardiovascular disease? Dr. Su Yanbo explained that theoretically speaking, rising temperature will lead to increased blood viscosity, increased cholesterol, and damage to the vascular endothelium, thereby increasing the chance of thrombosis. The reduction of body fluids caused by high temperature will aggravate the above phenomenon. Excessive dehydration may even cause hypovolemic shock or fatal arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalance in certain patients.
It is worth mentioning that not only high temperatures, many studies have also found that being in a temperature difference that is too high (about 8.5 degrees) or a lack of air conditioning and a continuously stuffy indoor environment will also increase the risk of acute respiratory syndrome. Risk of coronary heart disease. Currently, the weather in Taiwan often tends to be extreme. Weather reports often include record-breaking high temperatures or drastic temperature changes between day and night. People with cardiovascular disease or pre-existing conditions should not be cautious.
Heart palpitations aren’t just in winter! 8 major ethnic groups should not take their “heart” lightly in hot weather
Dr. Su Yanbo said that the typical symptoms of myocardial infarction are mainly chest tightness and chest pain. The pain can be connected to the shoulders, back, or neck, accompanied by cold sweats, breathlessness, etc. In severe cases, it can cause hypotension shock, or even This is a heart arrhythmia, or cardiac arrest leading to fainting or sudden death. People with smoking habits, obesity, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, renal insufficiency or dialysis patients, and advanced age are all high-risk groups.
Dr. Su Yanbo suggested that the above-mentioned groups must pay attention to the weather forecast when the weather is hot, and avoid going out for strenuous outdoor activities during high temperature warnings. If you need to go out, you must shade yourself to avoid direct sunlight. At the same time, pay attention to adequate water and electrolyte replenishment to avoid dehydration. If you have heart failure or kidney disease, you should be more cautious in hydration control, and you should ask a professional doctor for advice.
In addition, the indoor environment should be kept as cool and ventilated as possible. If the indoor temperature is too high, it is best to have moderate air conditioning. The temperature of the air conditioner is best set at around 26-27°C. This not only saves electricity, but also avoids excessive indoor and outdoor temperature differences, which may cause discomfort or even increase Chances of acute coronary heart disease. If you have symptoms suspected of acute coronary heart disease, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible to avoid missing the golden treatment period.
Extended reading: How to eat to reduce mortality and myocardial infarction? Study: Mediterranean and low-fat diets are most effective
