Be wary of heatstroke.

Hot summer weather increases the risk of stroke, so people need to have the knowledge to prevent it and receive timely emergency care when stroke symptoms appear.

People who work outdoors in hot weather are more susceptible to health problems.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, from the Tropical Center ( Ministry of National Defense ), warns: Heatstroke is generally understood as a stroke (cerebrovascular accident) that occurs or is triggered by factors related to high temperatures. Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, increased blood viscosity, and blood pressure fluctuations; these factors increase the risk of stroke.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, the causes of stroke include prolonged dehydration, blood thickening, and increased risk of blood clot formation; hemodynamic disturbances, sudden increases or decreases in blood pressure; and sudden changes in ambient temperature (from hot to cold or vice versa).

Groups at increased risk of stroke during hot weather include the elderly, children, people with underlying conditions (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia), and those taking diuretics, beta-blockers, or antidepressants.

The characteristic symptoms of heatstroke are similar to those of a typical stroke. Specifically, patients may experience: sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, arm, or leg (FAST); difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or inability to understand speech; severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, blurred vision; altered consciousness, coma, seizures; the patient may have a high body temperature if accompanied by heatstroke, but this is not a characteristic sign.

At its most dangerous level, a stroke is a medical emergency, posing a risk of death or severe neurological sequelae if not treated within the "golden hour".

Doctors advise that when encountering someone showing signs of heatstroke, people should quickly identify the FAST signs (facial paralysis, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, and call emergency services immediately). People and patients should call emergency services (115) and report the time of symptom onset.

Specifically, keep the patient lying still, with their head elevated 30 degrees if conscious, or tilted to a safe angle if vomiting; do not give them anything to eat or drink; do not administer fever-reducing or blood pressure-lowering medication without consulting a doctor; prepare for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang also noted that stroke and heatstroke are heat-related medical conditions that can be life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly. Correctly differentiating these conditions based on symptoms, level of consciousness disturbance, skin/sweat characteristics, and risk factors is crucial. Proper initial first aid, combined with proactive preventive measures, will help minimize the risk of complications and death for patients.

Especially during this period of extreme heat due to climate change, people need to have knowledge about stroke prevention and detection so they know how to respond promptly.

Doctors also advise that people who experience any unusual symptoms related to heat, especially altered consciousness, weakness/paralysis on one side of the body, or difficulty speaking, should call emergency services immediately.

Given the prolonged heatwaves, people need to proactively take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.

HA (according to Vietnam+)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/canh-giac-dot-quy-do-nang-nong-414234.html