At the start of the week, a scorching episode lasting several days should affect all of France. The French Federation of Cardiology recalls its recommendations.
While three-quarters of France are already in level 2 of the heat wave plan, in the coming days, temperatures should continue to rise further. According to forecasts from Monday, July 22 and over a period of about three days, residents of the northern half of France may have to experience temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 degrees. And in the southern half, it should be even warmer, 31 to 38 degrees are expected. Faced with this heat wave, the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly or infants and children under 4 years old must be protected. But that’s not all, cardiologists point out that in times of extreme heat, it is also our common hearts that are sometimes put to the test. To maintain good heart health, the French Federation of Cardiology (FFC) therefore recall valuable advice for maintaining optimal heart health.
Relax, decompress … but be careful
These tips are valid for everyone in hot weather, but even more so for people with heart disease. The cardiologists point out that despite the heat, you have to remain vigilant and not overdo alcoholic aperitifs… they recommend drinking plenty of water and eating fruit and vegetables instead. Likewise, in summer, many people are tempted to resume certain sporting activities neglected during the year. Yes, but watch out for the rhythm and the sun! The practice of intensive sport outdoors in very hot weather is bad for the heart. Even more than the rest of the year, these doctors insist on the damage of tobacco on cardiovascular health. They say summer is a good time to stop.
For people on treatment
“Holidays, I forget everything” … but not the drugs alert the cardiologists.
For those who are undergoing treatment for a long-term heart problem, the French Federation of Cardiology offers several specific tips to continue to take care of your heart in summer.
The treatment must be adapted to the trip (for example: diuretics must be reduced in the event of a heat wave). It is also important to remember to check the expiration dates of the medicine boxes and protect them from possible excessive heat. For patients who go on trips, for example abroad. Provide double the amount needed, in case of loss or theft of luggage. Also remember to separate the drugs in 2 separate places. For example, a lot will remain in hand baggage in the cabin if you have to fly. And the other lot, in the checked baggage. These doctors also recall that for holidays abroad for patients undergoing treatment, it is important to remember to ask your doctor before departure, to write a description of the state of health (if necessary in English), as well as ” a prescription specifying the international non-proprietary names (INN) of the drugs consumed. Also remember to bring a photocopy of recent electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing. Finally, last advice, cardiologists remind us that depending on the time differences, it is essential to seek advice from the doctor before departure for taking his treatment.
The French Federation of Cardiology reminds that the holidays are made to rest and try to follow as well as possible the prevention messages which take heart (0 cigarettes – 5 fruits and vegetables – 30 minutes of activity and to avoid stress on a daily basis)
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