How does hot weather impact people with angina and heart failure?
The British Heart Foundation says: “If you use a GTN spray to control your angina, you should take extra care in hot weather. GTN spray can dilate your blood vessels quickly, which causes your blood pressure to suddenly drop and you may feel faint.”
It adds: “It’s particularly important to stay cool if you have heart failure – where your heart doesn’t pump blood around your body as well as it should. If you’ve been told to restrict your fluid intake, speak to your GP about other ways to keep cool during summer. If you take water tablets and are dizzy or light headed let your doctor know. Your medication can then be reviewed or adapted as necessary.”
What are the tell-tale signs of heat stroke?
Dehydration can elevate your core body temperature, which may prove hazardous if left untreated. Indicators of heat stroke encompass sweating, cold, clammy skin, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, heat rash, swelling in the ankles, rapid or shallow breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
Should you suspect that you or somebody nearby is suffering from heat stroke, seek medical assistance immediately.
