Furio Colivicchi, past president of the ANMCO (National Association of Hospital Cardiologists) and director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology at San Filippo Neri Hospital in Rome, explains the phenomenon. He emphasizes how high temperatures can alter various vital signs, impacting heart rate and blood pressure, with effects that vary from person to person.
The key concern is the increase in cardiovascular events during heatwaves. In the most vulnerable, heat can promote episodes of acute heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and even heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation. This combination of conditions, when combined with other conditions, can rapidly worsen the clinical picture.
For this reason, experts recommend some basic rules. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., constantly monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and maintain proper hydration. Particular attention should also be paid to those taking diuretics: in these cases, fluid balance must be monitored more closely to avoid imbalances.
Another aspect highlighted concerns the social conditions of older adults during the summer. The possible absence of family members or caregivers during vacation periods can increase the risk of isolation, with indirect
