How Extreme Weather Affects the Heart

Exposure to extreme weather can have negative health consequences due to the worsening of pre-existing health conditions.

Highlights:

Most healthy people adapt to weather changes without much difficulty
Extreme heat and cold weather can put pressure on the heart and even prove to be fatal

Heat stress can have serious negative health consequences due to worsening pre-existing health conditions. If the internal body temperature is not properly controlled by the cardiovascular system, exposure to heat puts further stress on the heart and can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke. While blood vessels constrict due to the cold, raising blood pressure and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Angina, or chest pain due to coronary heart disease, can also worsen in winter when coronary arteries constrict in the cold.

Dangerous Heat Stress to Become More Common by 2100: Report
A new study reveals a range of heat effects worldwide by the end of this century, depending on future emissions of greenhouse gases.

‘Due to the deterioration of pre-existing medical issues, exposure to extreme weather might have detrimental effects on one’s health.’

Who has Difficulty Adapting to Extreme Weather

People who have had a heart problem before, uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension may have trouble adapting to extreme temperatures. Additionally, those who use diuretics, which help the body get rid of extra water, are more vulnerable to dehydration.

Heat Stress may Affect More Than 1.2 Billion People Annually by 2100: Study
A new study has revealed that by 2100, heat stress from extreme heat and humidity will annually affect areas now home to 1.2 billion people.

How do Heat Waves Affect the Heart

Increased perspiration brought on by excessive heat can result in water loss from the body and dehydration. This results in a decrease in plasma volume, an increase in the concentration of blood components (red blood cells), and, if combined with excessive cholesterol, the possibility of heart artery obstructions that result in a heart attack. Heat, particularly heat waves, can also raise blood pressure and lead to rapid, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which can result in heart attacks and strokes. The heart requires more oxygen, which results in symptoms including chest discomfort, dyspnea, and unconsciousness.

Typically, people over 65 who are elderly are affected. The heart’s ability to exercise decreases with age and many people also have pre-existing conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. In turn, this raises the risk. Most healthy people adapt to changing weather successfully.

Worker Productivity Lost Due to Heat Stress; Costs Australia Billions in 2013-14
Negative impacts of heat can include accidents due to concentration lapses, and lower productivity due to impaired decision-making or fatigue.

Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke

Slow down. When the weather is bad, avoid exercising outside. Drink enough water and stay hydrated if you work out. Refrain from drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Having a bath and shower or, if necessary, an ice pack can also help. Eat frequent, little meals.

Women and Men Always Respond Differently to Heat Stress
The body cools itself down in two main ways: sweating and increasing circulation to the skin's surface.

Effects of Extreme Cold on the Body

Your heart may also feel pressure from cold temperatures. The blood vessels constrict in response to extreme cold. It causes a rise in blood pressure and a fall in blood flow. Your heart rate may rise in cold temperatures, which can increase your need for oxygen. The heart is under more stress if there is an associated infection due to the chilly temperature. Risk factors are identical to the risk factors for heat waves themselves.

Tips to Stay Safe in Extreme Cold

Put on several layers of warm clothing to keep your body temperature stable. Avoid working out outside. Eat low-fat foods and abstain from smoking. Eat warm meals and hot soups. Keep moving inside. Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as palpitations, giddiness, dyspnea, or chest pain. Even while you might not be experiencing a heart attack, you might be experiencing early signs of heat or cold intolerance.

Source-Medindia