On the occasion of the health risks caused by high temperatures FOCUS News Agency speaks with cardiologist in the specialized hospital for active treatment of cardiovascular diseases St. Ekatherina Dr. Diana Trendafilova.

FOCUS: Dr. Trendafilova, what are the most vulnerable groups of people who are threatened by the heat?
Dr. Diana Trendafilova: The riskiest group include patients with proven cardiovascular diseases. These are patients who have proven coronary artery disease, peritoneal attack, stroke or any other brain pathology. These are the highest risk group of patients. The next subgroup of patients who still belong in the group with cardiovascular disease are those who have not suffered heart attacks and stroke, but they have hypertension. Another risk group includes diabetics and other patients who have disease outside cardiology.

FOCUS: Is the number of patients with complaints increased, due to the high temperatures in recent weeks?
Dr. Diana Trendafilova: Generally during the heats there is a slight peak of patients who are in uncomfortable condition. Personally, I haven’t noticed any peak in heart attacks, but there are patients who have frequent crises and state of malaise, a hypertensive crisis of nausea and fainting - there are such cases.

FOCUS: What age group of people are more often affected?
Dr. Diana Trendafilova: For each age group these high temperatures are potentially dangerous, even for young people. Overheating can cause lasting effects to healthy persons, so that prolonged exposure to the sun without a hat, in the absence of normal hydration, not drinking enough fluids can lead to overheating, which leads to implications even when a healthy person. Both children and adults are more susceptible to these temperatures and are more seriously affected by heat, so it is recommended not to go outside after 11.00 am when strong sunshine, to drink more water, walk on the mountains in these periods, not to stand on the beach in direct sunlight.

FOCUS: What should people consume during the heat?
Dr. Diana Trendafilova: The summer season predisposes to reduce the amount of proteins, i.e. meats, and to place more emphasis on fruits and vegetables and a light meal that facilitates the cardiovascular system in its processing. Usually intense heat generally leads to appetite suppression. Strong alcohol beverages (concentrates) should also be avoided in the heat. Smoking is also a risk factor and it is better to avoid overdoing smoking but it is best not to smoke.

FOCUS: Is there any medication or other, which is recommended at higher temperatures than diet and fluids?
Dr. Diana Trendafilova: Diet, fluids and shade. Medications are not recommended, absolutely not. There is a recommendation in some patients who take medication to reduce doses, especially those drugs that removed blood pressure and slow pulse, these are the group of the antihypertensives medications. They generally require adjustment during the summer and especially during the summer heat.