Preventing stroke and heatstroke caused by hot weather.

This summer arrived early with record-breaking heatwaves, dramatically increasing the risk of stroke, heatstroke, and dehydration in the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Given the increased risk of strokes and heatstroke due to dehydration, the health sector advises people to proactively implement preventive measures to protect themselves and their families.

Doctors at the Provincial General Hospital conduct routine health checkups for residents to prevent diseases that increase the risk of stroke.

In late May, northern Vietnam experienced a severe heatwave with outdoor temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius at times. This extreme weather not only caused fatigue and exhaustion but also led to many people being hospitalized for heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Medical facilities recorded a 20-30% increase in patients admitted due to heat-related illnesses compared to normal days.

At Tuyen Quang Provincial General Hospital, in addition to summer illnesses in young children, the number of elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions admitted to the emergency room has also increased significantly. Due to the high temperatures causing rapid dehydration, the cardiovascular, blood pressure, and respiratory systems of these patients are severely affected, leading to many cases of heatstroke, stroke, or general exhaustion requiring immediate medical intervention.

Mrs. Phan Ngoc, 76 years old, from Phan Thiet ward, is one of the cases requiring emergency hospitalization due to stroke during the hot season. Despite a history of hypertension, she maintained a regular exercise routine and check-ups. However, a few days ago, while standing in the yard chatting with neighbors, she suddenly collapsed. “At that moment, I just thought I had sunstroke. When neighbors shouted for my children to take me to the hospital, I was already dazed and didn’t know anything anymore. When I woke up, I was shocked to learn that I had just undergone a brain vascular intervention due to a stroke,” Mrs. Ngoc recalled.

Not only stroke patients, but cardiologists are also continuously receiving many critically ill patients admitted to the hospital during the intense heat. Dr. Trinh Tien Hung, Head of the Cardiology Department at Ha Giang General Hospital, said: The intense heat causes many patients to be admitted with pneumonia, heart failure, and hypertension due to heatstroke. In particular, the sharp increase in patients mainly affects the elderly and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmias…

Also constantly overcrowded with patients, the Hoang Su Phi Regional General Hospital sees a 30% to 35% increase in the number of elderly people with chronic diseases seeking treatment during hot weather. Mr. Hoang Trong Khanh, 80 years old, from Ho Thau commune, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, shared: Although he takes good care of his health, due to his advanced age and a history of chronic lung disease, the intense heat still caused his respiratory illness to relapse severely. The other day, due to respiratory failure and difficulty breathing, his children and grandchildren rushed him to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Given the intense heat and high temperatures in the early days of summer, the Department of Health has directed medical units and facilities to implement measures to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, and to protect patients from the heat, such as: adding fans, ensuring sufficient drinking water and water for daily use, etc. They have also implemented and guided measures to combat the heat and disseminated knowledge to patients. In addition, the health sector is also applying plans to reduce overcrowding in examination areas and fee collection areas, arranging hospital beds appropriately, and reducing waiting times for patients and their families. In particular, outpatient departments, emergency departments, pediatric departments, obstetrics departments, etc., must ensure sufficient ventilation or air conditioning.

Doctors advise that to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion, people should limit outdoor work between 10 AM and 4 PM, and replenish fluids and electrolytes even when not thirsty. Wear loose, light-colored clothing, wear hats, and take appropriate breaks when working in hot weather. In the current extreme weather conditions, proactively protecting one's health is the best way to prevent dangerous complications caused by heat.

Text and photos: MINH HOA

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202605/phong-dot-quy-soc-nhiet-do-nang-nong-d3a2754/