In recent days, hot weather has occurred on a large scale. Right on April 12, the area from Thanh Hoa to Hue experienced intense to especially intense heat, with common temperatures of 37–40°C, in some places above 40°C. In the North, the temperature increased, commonly 34–36°C, in some places above 37°C. Hanoi is hot during the day, highest 34–36°C. The Central Highlands and Southern regions maintain hot weather of 33–36°C, in some places above 36°C. Ho Chi Minh City is hot during the day, showers and thunderstorms may appear in the evening.
According to BSCKII Nguyen Tien Dung - Deputy Director of the Stroke Center, Bach Mai Hospital - hot weather can seriously affect the health of vulnerable groups. One of the important causes is rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss when the weather is too hot. This condition increases blood viscosity, reduces circulatory volume, causing the heart to work harder and increases the risk of blood clots forming - the leading factor causing ischemic stroke.
Besides, hot weather makes the body sweat more and dilate the blood vessels to cool down, thereby putting more pressure on the cardiovascular system. For people who have had underlying diseases or have had strokes, the risk of heart attack, heart failure, sudden high blood pressure and recurrent stroke may be higher.
Another risk is thermoregulatory disorders. Elderly people or people with post-stroke nerve damage often adapt poorly to high temperatures, are easily exhausted by heat or heat shock. In addition, some cardiovascular, blood pressure or diuretics can also worsen dehydration, making it difficult for the body to adapt to heat.
Faced with the risk of heat, doctors recommend that people proactively prevent it by drinking enough water, prioritizing filtered water or electrolyte water, limiting coffee, soft drinks, alcohol and carrying water when going out. You should limit going out from 10 am to 4 pm; if you have to go out, you need to cover yourself carefully, wear light, loose and airy clothes.
Living space needs to be kept cool, eating light, increasing green vegetables and fruits with a lot of water, limiting greasy and sweet foods. People with underlying illnesses or previous strokes need to monitor their health more closely, measure blood pressure regularly and use medication as prescribed.
It is necessary to recognize early signs of stroke according to the FAST principle and call 115 immediately when symptoms appear. At the same time, be wary of heat exhaustion or heat shock and take the patient to a medical facility early.
