Cardiologist told when you can get a heart attack under the air conditioner

With an increase in air temperature in conditions of high humidity, patients with cardiovascular diseases, those who are overweight or metabolic syndrome, and those suffering from arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease are the first to suffer. They are threatened by an exacerbation of chronic diseases or even a heart attack, said Olga Kozlova, a cardiologist-therapist, candidate of medical sciences.

“When the temperature rises, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, blood vessels dilate, which leads to swelling of the lower extremities, and hence the patient often experiences malaise, a feeling of weakness. Plus, due to increased sweating, an excess amount of fluid is lost, trace elements are lost – potassium and magnesium – which can also lead to heart rhythm disturbances, ”the specialist warned.

According to the cardiologist, also due to the loss of fluid in people, the blood thickens, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, patients who take diuretics should consult a doctor about the need to reduce their dosage or completely stop the drug, life.ru writes.

Caution should also be exercised in case of sudden temperature changes – when leaving an excessively air-conditioned room in the heat and vice versa, Kozlova emphasized. The doctor explained that when a hot person sits under an air conditioner or a fan, a reflex vasospasm can occur. This, in turn, threatens a heart attack or an attack of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction in extreme cases.

“It should also be taken into account, for example, when bathing. That is, if a person is hot, then in cold water with a sharp contrast, this can also, in addition to spasm of peripheral vessels by the type of convulsions, cause reflex cardiac arrest, ”the physician emphasized.