Doctors warn of 2 dangerous diseases when there is sudden cold weather
Today, the weather has changed a lot. The strong cold air will affect the North and North Central regions, then affect the Central Central region. Lowest temperature 13-16 degrees.
According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, today (December 16) the strong cold air in the North continues to move to the South. On the mainland, around morning and today, this cold air will affect the North and North Central regions, then affect the Central Central region. The inland wind is gradually shifting to the Northeast to level 3, coastal areas are level 4-5, gusting to level 6-7.
The weather in the Northern provinces changed suddenly and was deeply cold this afternoon, December 16. Illustration photo: Minh Hoan
During this cold air wave, the lowest temperature at night and early morning in the midlands, the Northern Delta and the North Central region is commonly 11-14 degrees, the Northern mountainous region is commonly 7-10 degrees, and the mountainous areas are commonly 7-10 degrees. The altitude is below 3 degrees in some places; The area from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue is commonly 15-18 degrees.
Since December 16, it has been cold in the North and North Central; From tonight, it will be very cold in the North and North Central, and the mountainous areas in the North will be extremely cold. High mountain areas have the possibility of snow showers and frost. Warning that this severe and harmful cold phenomenon may last after December 20.
Sudden changes in temperature increase the risk of many diseases, of which two particularly dangerous diseases that need attention are stroke and myocardial infarction.
MSc.Doan Du Manh, Member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, is consulting a patient. Photo: BSCC
Regarding this issue, talk to PV Dan VietM.D. Doan Du Manh, Member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, said that when the weather becomes cold, there is an imbalance between indoor and outdoor temperatures, especially when moving from a warm environment to the outdoors. cold, can create a sudden temperature change that makes the body unable to adapt in time.
This condition causes constriction of blood vessels when exposed to cold temperatures, as well as the formation of blood clots that can cause cerebral infarction. Besides, this condition increases pressure in the vascular system. Sudden increases in blood pressure can rupture small blood vessels in the brain, leading to brain hemorrhage.
“In addition to cerebral embolism, sudden changes in temperature can lead to blockage of coronary arteries (blood vessels that feed the heart) causing myocardial infarction. These can increase the risk of health problems such as: ear Cerebrovascular events and cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction) have a high risk of death or leave sequelae such as weakness, neurological sequelae…”, Dr. Manh emphasized.
Doctor at the Stroke Center (Bach Mai Hospital) provides emergency care to a seriously ill patient. Photo: Gia Khiem
According to statistics, in Vietnam stroke patients increase from 15% to 20% in winter. Of these, about 60-70% of cases occur in the middle of the night and early morning, when the outdoor temperature is lower than during the day. The proportion of stroke patients with hypertension is higher in the cold season than in the hot season, accounting for about 85%.
Dr. Manh said, a rarer but also very dangerous disease in winter is deep vein thrombosis that forms because we drink less water when it’s cold. This causes the blood to thicken and causes less movement in patients with previous venous valve insufficiency, causing poor blood circulation and easily forming blood clots in the veins of the lower limbs. When these blood clots spread to the heart, they can cause death due to pulmonary artery infarction.
“Cases of rupture or dissection of large blood vessels in patients with aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis are also common in winter. The cause is sudden changes in blood pressure affecting the thoracic or aorta. abdomen, the patient will feel severe chest pain, the death rate is up to 90% if not promptly intervened,” Dr. Manh analyzed.
People at high risk need to pay special attention to two dangerous diseases in cold weather
Dr. Manh said that everyone is at risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. However, people at high risk include: the elderly, with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, varicose veins, obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, and frequent tobacco use. wine…
Every month, the Stroke Center (Bach Mai Hospital) provides emergency care to thousands of patients, the number of patients especially increases on cold days. Photo: Gia Khiem
Common signs of stroke based on the FAST principle:
– F (Face): The patient shows signs of sagging and distortion on one side of the face, drooping eyelids.
– A (Arms): One arm or one side of the body is weak and paralyzed, unable to raise both arms above the head at the same time, or lift the arm straight.
– S (Speech): Signs of stuttering, difficulty understanding, difficulty saying a complete sentence.
– T (Time): When you see a person with one or more signs similar to the description, you need to act immediately to help the patient receive timely emergency treatment.
“For cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary infarction, aortic dissection, special attention should be paid to symptoms such as chest pain. Pain can spread to the back or to the shoulder. left”, Doctor Manh pointed out.
From the sudden change in cold weather, Dr. Manh recommends that in the cold season, maintaining warmth, stabilizing body temperature and taking preventive measures is very important to minimize the risk. suffer from diseases.
Especially for the elderly or people with a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Avoid going out in sudden cold weather at night and early morning. Use medication as prescribed by a specialist, supplement adequate water and nutrients necessary for the body.
“People also need to maintain a scientific diet and exercise, avoid stress. They should exercise gently for 3-5 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning. Do not bathe too late or take a cold shower.
Avoid drinking alcohol before going outdoors because alcohol dilates blood vessels in the skin, making the body feel warmer, while actually taking heat away from vital organs. In case of signs of the disease, it is necessary to immediately go to the nearest specialized medical facility for timely examination and emergency treatment because the risk of death from the above diseases is very high,” Dr. Manh added.