¿Es el verano una temporada segura para prevenir infartos cardíacos?

Title: Is Summer a Safe Season for Preventing Heart Attacks? Author: Wang Yuzhu, nurse at the Department of Internal Medicine of Beijing Xiehe Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Ma Fangfang, deputy nursing director at the Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Xiehe Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Xia Ying, Deputy Nursing Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Reviewer: Shen Jianzhong, associate physician at the Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medicine of China.

It is well known that myocardial infarction is more common in winter, but the risk of heart attacks during summer is often overlooked. Studies have shown that in high-temperature conditions, for each 1°C increase in temperature, cardiovascular mortality increases by 2.1%, and the risk of hospitalization due to myocardial infarction surges by 16%. Therefore, the incidence rate of myocardial infarction increases in both extremely cold and extremely hot environments. We cannot simply remember that winter is the season with the highest incidence and ignore the hidden risks of summer; this time, we will focus on debunking the myth that summer is safe.

The high-risk factors for heart attacks in summer include: 1. High temperatures: The hot summer weather can lead to blood vessel dilation, increasing the burden on the heart and potentially triggering a heart attack. 2. Dehydration: Increased sweating in summer can lead to dehydration, affecting blood supply to the heart. 3. Excessive exercise: Strenuous exercise in high temperatures may increase cardiac stress. 4. Poor diet: During summer, people often consume high-salt and high-fat foods, increasing the risk of heart disease. 5. Emotional stress: High temperatures and humidity can lead to emotional instability, increasing the likelihood of heart disease. 6. Underlying conditions: Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia are more susceptible to heart attacks in summer. Understanding these high-risk factors helps to implement preventive measures and protect cardiovascular health.

As temperatures rise in summer, the human body sweats more. If water is not replenished adequately, there can be an electrolyte imbalance, a decrease in blood volume, and an increase in blood viscosity, which can facilitate the formation of clots. Additionally, in summer, the increased temperatures also heighten the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system, accelerating heart rate and potentially causing irritability, emotional changes, increased oxygen consumption by the myocardium, and elevated blood pressure, which could lead to myocardial infarction. Furthermore, due to the long hours of daylight and heat, people tend to go to bed late and experience poor sleep quality, resulting in sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can elevate blood pressure and heart rate while aggravating metabolic disorders like diabetes and dyslipidemia, consequently affecting cardiovascular health. Finally, the temperature differences between indoors and outdoors in summer, along with frequent entry and exit from air-conditioned rooms, cause blood vessels to contract and dilate abruptly due to stimulation from cold and heat, which can increase blood pressure variability, elevate cardiac load, and heighten the risk of plaque instability, triggering a myocardial infarction.

How to prevent myocardial infarction in summer: 1. Maintain a healthy diet: consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and choose whole grain foods. 2. Engage in moderate exercise: select suitable forms of exercise such as swimming, jogging, or brisk walking, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. 3. Control weight: maintain a healthy weight, avoid obesity, and monitor weight changes regularly. 4. Manage stress: learn stress management techniques and engage in relaxation activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. 5. Regular check-ups: have regular cardiovascular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. 6. Avoid high-temperature environments: during hot weather, avoid strenuous activities, ensure adequate hydration, and prevent dehydration. 7. Quit smoking and limit alcohol: stay away from tobacco and limit alcohol intake to maintain cardiovascular health. 8. Pay attention to medication management: if you have hypertension or diabetes, take medications as prescribed and consult with your doctor regularly. By following these measures, the risk of summer myocardial infarction can be effectively reduced.

Temperature regulation

Regarding temperature regulation, it is essential to use air conditioning wisely. It is recommended to keep the indoor temperature around 26°C, ensuring that the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors does not exceed 7°C. It is important to avoid having cold air blow directly onto the body, especially in the neck and chest areas. Before entering an air-conditioned space, it is best to stop for a moment at the doorway to allow the body to gradually adapt to the temperature change. If you have sweated a lot when going out, it is advisable to dry off before turning on the air conditioner. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid the hottest hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and if leaving is necessary, to wear a sun hat and carry a portable fan or other cooling items to reduce the impact of heat on the cardiovascular system.

Behavioral intervention

Adjusting daily behavioral habits is a key factor in preventing heart attacks in summer. An adequate hydration plan should be scheduled and controlled, consuming between 100 and 150 ml of water at a time, alternating between drinking water and electrolyte beverages. It is important to avoid excessive water intake at once, as the rapid influx of liquids into the bloodstream can cause a sudden increase in blood volume, potentially overloading the heart and causing symptoms such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing. During exercise, it is crucial to pay attention to timing and intensity. It is advisable to use a fragmented exercise method, choosing to do it early in the morning or at dusk, with sessions not exceeding 30 minutes and opting for medium or low-intensity activities. A heart rate monitoring device can also be employed to control exercise intensity. Regarding diet, the principle of low intake of salt, fats, and sugars should be followed, adopting a frequent and small meal approach to reduce the burden on the digestive system. These lifestyle adjustments require a long-term commitment to establish an effective protective barrier.

Symptom monitoring

Monitoring symptoms is an important part of the prevention system. It is essential to develop the habit of regularly measuring blood pressure and blood glucose. A detailed symptom diary should also be established, noting the occasion and characteristics of symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations, which helps in detecting abnormalities early. Should symptoms arise such as persistent chest pain that is not alleviated, unexplained nausea, or sudden profuse sweating, any activity should be stopped immediately, and calmness must be maintained. If blood pressure is normal, sublingual nitroglycerin may be taken for symptom relief; if no relief is achieved, emergency services should be called. Medication management must be particularly rigorous: maintaining a clear list of medications and setting reminders for intake is useful to avoid forgetting or mistakes in medication. Before summer arrives, a specific medical examination focusing on assessing plaques in the carotid arteries, an electrocardiogram, and biochemical and lipid analysis in blood is recommended. This systematic protection requires consistent execution; integrating all these measures into daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks during summer. Temporary protective measures are often insufficient, thus necessitating the advance planning of a detailed cardiac care program and adherence throughout the hot season.

The risk of heart attacks in summer is severely underestimated. On a daily basis, diseases can be prevented through temperature regulation, behavioral interventions, and symptom monitoring. The heart does not take a "summer vacation"; only through scientific protection can a safe summer be attained.

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