Heat waves: high temperatures can harm heart health

Brazil is facing, this week, a new and powerful suffocating heat wave . According to Climatempo, temperatures are 5ºC above average and should remain high until the end of summer, on March 20th. São Paulo, for example, could have maximum temperatures close to 40 ºC, while thermometers will be between 37 and 40 ºC in southern states.

O suffocating heat It is a reality that tends to get worse, as the increase in temperature occurs as a result of climate changes caused by global warming. This scenario is worrying, as extreme heat can cause changes in the body and pose health risks, especially to the heart.

“Extreme temperatures lead to vasodilation, that is, the dilation of blood vessels and arteries. When this happens, the pressure tends to drop and this drop, if it occurs frequently, can lead to a deficiency in the blood supply to the organs”, explains cardiologist Fernando Nobre.

Furthermore, the body starts to activate a series of mechanisms to compensate for the increase in body temperature caused by heat. This is the case with sweat, in which liquids and minerals that are important for the proper functioning of the body can be lost. It is in this scenario that heart health may be at risk .

“In this attempt to compensate for the heat, the tendency is for the number of heartbeats per minute to be increased. So, some people may have arrhythmia, which is improper functioning of the heart,” he says.

A arrhythmia is a heart condition characterized by changes in the usual heart rhythm, which may be an accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia ) or very slow (bradycardia ). Mostly, arrhythmias do not cause symptoms however, in some cases, they can lead to palpitation sensation fainting and, in severe cases, can lead to death.

A report published in the scientific journal The Lancetlast year, showed that heat-related deaths in people over 65 increased by 85% since the 1990s . Furthermore, the study showed that if the global temperature increases by 2ºC, the number of Heat-related deaths will increase by 370% by 2050 .

Who are the people most at risk?

Everyone can be affected by the high temperatures of current heat waves. However, some groups are more susceptible to serious health complications due to extreme temperatures. This is the case for the elderly and children, according to Nobre.

“As a rule, elderly people already have heart lesions and atherosclerotic plaques, so this increase in temperature with a drop in pressure and circulatory changes can be more significant in this population”, says the cardiologist.

In relation to children, the specialist explains that, in general, they still do not have complete self-control to maintain adequate hydration levels during heat waves and, therefore, are more prone to dehydration. “Fathers, mothers and caregivers need to be aware of this and ensure that they are hydrated”, highlights Nobre.

Important warning signs and precautions during extreme heat

During days of extreme temperatures, it may be common to notice some signs of a drop in blood pressure, such as dizziness, malaise, drowsiness and indisposition. According to the cardiologist, These symptoms can be controlled with good hydration , with water and juice intake. However, if fainting occurs, it is important to seek medical attention.

Furthermore, when you notice that your heartbeat may be increased or failing (with palpitations), it is also essential to make an appointment with a cardiologist.

To prevent health complications from occurring during heat waves, some precautions are essential, such as:

• Drink a lot of water;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages;
• Eat light, cold meals;
• Keep your home cool with open windows;
• Take cold showers;
• Prefer airy environments and avoid crowds;
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, light clothing and sunscreen;
• Use saline solution in the eyes and nostrils;
• Do not exercise at times with the highest incidence of UV rays, from 11am to 5pm.