Hypertension High heart attack risk in heat

Summer heat can increase heart attack risk of hypertensive patients by 60 percent

07/31/2013

What pleasant summer temperatures are for some people represents an increased health risk for the other: Values ​​of 25 degrees Celsius and more are a burden especially for people with hypertension or heart disease. As the German Hypertension League (DHL) informs, a temperature increase of more than five degrees Celsius from one day to the next increases the risk of heart attack of people with hypertension by about 60 percent. Especially hypertensive patients and the elderly should therefore regularly check their values ​​in summer heat. The DHL advises a doctor to visit, should the measurement results deviate greatly from the usual values.

Due to summer heat circulatory collapse threatens hypertension
Temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases. It threatens arrhythmia due to the sudden heat as well as dizziness, nausea and other cardiovascular problems. In hypertension patients also increases the risk of heart attack by about 60 percent by a sudden rise in temperature of five degrees Celsius and more, as DHL reports.

Due to permanently high temperatures, the blood vessels expand, so that the blood pressure drops. This effect is exacerbated in people taking medications because of their high blood pressure. As a result, sufferers can suffer a circulatory collapse in the worst case. „High blood pressure patients should check their blood pressure daily, drink enough and if necessary after consultation with their doctor to adjust the medication, "advises Professor Hans-Georg Predel, Deputy Chairman of the Board of DHL.Possible then a temporary reduction of the drug dose is required they should continue to monitor their blood pressure levels to be able to counteract quickly if they are rising, but in short-term heat of just a few days, Predel says there is usually no need to adjust the drug dose. „If the systolic blood pressure drops permanently to 110 mmHg or even below it at prolonged temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, sufferers should consult their doctor.“ Even if the temperature drops again or the air pressure fluctuates, there is an increased risk because the coronary arteries can cramp.

When traveling to hot countries to prevent hypertension
DHL advises caution when traveling to high-temperature countries. Prolonged stays abroad of hypertensive patients should be discussed in advance with the doctor. Thus, check-ups can be carried out before departure and provide for a sufficient amount of medicines. Patients should ideally carry with them not only their medication and blood pressure monitor but also their medical records. In case of time delays, it is also important to adjust the medication accordingly and to avoid over- or underdosing.

„People who have recently had a heart attack or a stroke, or who have recently changed the dosage and type of medication, are advised not to travel“, explains Predel. „There is a special need for observation here.“ Because a change in temperature and location always means stress for the person concerned. (Ag)