The rising heat wave in Delhi-NCR has also affected health. This is how extreme temperature can affect heart patients.
Growing Heat wave in Delhi, Noida, Rajasthan and other parts of India has taken its toll on health. Recently, Delhi reached almost 50 degrees Celsius and more and more health-related problems are being reported in hospitals and clinics. Extreme temperatures can cause heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control body temperature and it rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If not treated in time, it can also be fatal. Heat waves can affect health in several ways. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), “the number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all regions of the world. “Heat-related mortality in people over 65 years of age increased approximately 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.”
“A heat wave is a period in which excess local heat accumulates during a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. Heat waves and prolonged conditions of excess heat are increasing in frequency, duration, intensity and magnitude due to climate change. “Even low and moderate intensity heat waves can impact the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.”
How can the heat wave affect heart health?
Extreme temperatures can put more pressure on the heart. It can stress the cardiovascular system, increasing the chances of having a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, etc. The heart receives additional pressure when the body tries to cool down to cope with the heat wave.
Five Ways to Manage Heart Health in the Middle of a Heat Wave
- Keep hydrated: The golden rule to stay fit and healthy in summer is to keep your body hydrated. Increase water and fluid intake. Drink beverages like coconut water to maintain a healthy electrolyte.
- Regular exercise: An active lifestyle is the need of the hour given the contemporary sedentary lifestyle that most of us lead. Perform regular cardiovascular exercises, yoga, etc. It can help the heart and improve blood and oxygen flow. Additionally, it will reduce the risk of heart attack and also reduce the risk of other ailments.
- Control cholesterol: Another essential tip to keep your heart healthy in summer is to better control cholesterol levels. Incorporate eating and lifestyle habits that reduce LDL and bad cholesterol and focus on improving good cholesterol or HDL levels naturally. It will help reduce the risk of having a heart attack.
- Hydrating and nutrient-rich diet: Add foods, fruits that are super hydrating and also rich in nutrients. Focus on consuming more vitamins, protein and fiber to build immunity and keep digestion in check. Additionally, it will also affect your heart health.
- Restful sleep: A restful sleep is important for the body to recover from the stress of the entire day. When the biological clock is well established, it helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm: sleep-wake cycle.
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