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Everyone knows the dangers that can affect those who have a less than optimal circulation and therefore are at greater risk in case of long journeys by plane, or risk the so-called “Economy class syndrome”.
But even without making long trips, the heat, the lack of fluids and therefore a blood that thickens more easily can create problems, especially in the form of clots that obstruct the normal flow of liquid. Who risks the most and why? Here are the answers of the experts of ALT (Association for the Fight against Thrombosis and Cardiovascular Diseases) onlus.
Be careful if you are “fragile”
The dangers, of course, are not the same for everyone. But if in winter the cold can facilitate coagulation processes, even in summer the danger of thrombosis should not be underestimated.
“We can observe some situations that expose our body to thrombosis and cardiovascular events, especially in frail or predisposed people – explains Lidia Rota Vender, President of ALT”. Excessive heat and dehydration they can favor the onset of a vascular event especially in those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, are being treated with hormonal therapies, have recently undergone surgery and in pregnant women.
“Summer is also the most favorable season for those who suffer from heart diseases, because the heat reduces blood pressure and favors the dilation of the peripheral arteries by containing – within certain limits – the metabolic needs of the organism – underlines the expert. Those suffering from heart failure must pay attention because the combination of different drugs and the very hot climate can alter the balance achieved in the winter months ”.
But what happens to the bloodstream? With heat and increased sweating, the circulating blood can shrink in volume and therefore thicken. In these cases the pressure can drop suddenly and reduce excessively causing weakness, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, renal function is also compromised, due to excess dehydration.
“Is critical recognize warning signs so as to quickly prevent and compensate the negative effects of heat, through the management and adaptation of diuretic therapy or the reduction of drug doses, under strict control of the treating physician – adds Rota Vender ”.
And for those who choose the mountain, can you rest assured? For those suffering from heart failure this is not the case: the cold at high altitudes could aggravate the situation and turn into acute decompensation. In these cases it is essential for the patient to keep nutrition and body weight under control and any fluctuations require immediate therapeutic measures, such as adjusting the diuretic therapy.
Decompensation is often caused by too high too long, unrecognized or poorly treated blood pressure, a myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, chronic and progressive disease of the heart valves, or atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
Countermeasures to be aware of
First of all, nutrition is essential: it is important to prefer low-salty foods such as fruit and vegetables (at least 5 portions a day) and drink plenty of water (preferably non-carbonated and between meals). Meals that should be light so as to practice sports especially in the summer and cooler hours.
“Moving the legs, even at work, favors the return of blood to the heart and reduces the probability of stagnation, which increases the risk of thrombosis and phlebitis – continues Lidia Rota Vender. It is always good to pay attention to familiarity, deepening the history of previous and widespread pathologies in the family; expose yourself on the beach in the cooler hours of the day, with a hat or a wet head and enjoy long swims or walks in the water.
Those who use drugs that are used to thin the blood should pack a sheet in which the names and doses of the drugs usually taken, the pathology from which they suffer and the numbers to contact in case of need are written. If you feel dizziness or shortness of breath, you should then feel the pulse and feel the rhythm of the heart. Finally, pay attention to altitude: it could cause a rise in pressure in those who suffer from it and require an increase in the dose of the drug that you usually take.
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