Can Heat wave conditions in Mumbai be fatal for comorbid patients? Here's what experts say

Not just winters, Summer heat too can raise your risk of Heart Attack, especially if you have an already existing heart condition, diabetes or high cholesterol. According to a study, very high heat can lower blood pressure, causing a person’s heart to beat faster and basically putting them at risk for a heart attack. By the end of March and early days of April the maximum daytime temperatures are expected to consistently cross 38-40 degrees Celsius in Mumbai and nearby cities. With the scorching heat signaling the arrival of summer in Mumbai and nearby cities, the health experts from apex group of Hospitals cautioned the Mumbai citizens over heart related diseases and heat related illness.

Giving more information on this Cardiologist Dr. Hemant Khemani from Apex Superspeciality Hospitals said, “Extreme temperatures may affect heart diseases and its leading cause of death globally. One in every 100 cardiovascular deaths may be attributed to extreme temperature days, and temperature effects were more pronounced when looking at heart failure deaths. With many areas of Maharashtra facing summer heat, people need to take extra care to protect their hearts. Precautions are on high priority especially for older adults and individuals with high blood pressure, obesity or a history of heart disease and stroke. In the hot season, the body tries to cool itself by transferring blood from major organs to under the skin. Rapid increase in heat may compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in illnesses, including heat cramps, dizziness, fainting, exhaustion, heatstroke and hyperthermia. Some of these can be fatal. Further, those with cardiovascular problems, diabetes and other comorbidities, are at a higher risk so they should completely avoid going in the sun.”

Every person in this weather must step out after eating something and should carry a water bottle with electrolytes in it so that dehydration can be avoided, added by Dr. Hemant Khemani from Apex Superspeciality Hospitals.

As per WHO reports, 17.9 million people die each from cardiovascular disease and this comprises 32% of all deaths. Cardiovascular diseases comprise coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions.

About one third of deaths that happen due to cardiovascular disease occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age. The most common symptoms are associated with breath, chest, heartbeats, and fatigue. During a heart attack a person will experience numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, dizziness and/or loss of balance or coordination and severe headache with no known cause.