Stable circulation despite humidity

Sultry causes circulatory problems in many people

07/30/2014

Currently there is a warm and humid weather throughout Germany. Many people react with circulatory weakness such as dizziness and nausea to the high humidity in summer temperatures. The news agency „dpa“ spoke to the physician Hans-Michael Mühlenfeld from the German GP's Association about how affected people can stabilize their circulation.

Older people, overweight and cardiovascular patients suffer the most from the sultriness
„The warm weather is of course a circulatory strain“, explains Mühlenfeld to the news agency. The body tries to maintain its normal temperature, but this is much more demanding in the heat than at moderate temperatures. „You can help the body by cooling it down a bit, for example by cold foot baths.“ In addition, the physician advises to run cool water over the forearms.

Healthy youngsters usually have little problem with the humid. Rather, are elderly, overweight and cardiovascular patients, who are already injured in any case, affected by circulatory complaints. „Normally, the body is built so that you have reserves for everything“, informs Mühlenfeld. „However, those who have already used up their reserves under normal conditions, ie are already resting on the edge of their physical capacities, can now be deprived of air, are less able to bear stress. He can feel dizzy and he can feel his heart pumping.“

These people should listen closely to their body and „take out the gas“, so the doctor. Stress should be shut down accordingly if sufferers do not get an activity. In addition, it helps to stay in the shade and increase the hydration.

Beware of sultriness and cardiovascular disease
In general, a distinction can be made between weather-sensitive and weather-sensitive persons. Healthy people who respond to sultriness or weather changes with nonspecific complaints are referred to as weather-sensitive and from a medical point of view, are not at risk for cardiovascular problems. To reduce their symptoms, they can do a kind of cardiovascular exercise, which consists of regular walks in the fresh air, sauna sessions and changing showers.

In contrast, people who are sensitive to the weather are patients with pre-existing conditions who should consult their doctor if they have circulatory problems. Also, the described training should be done only after medical consultation. (Ag)