Latvian doctors warn: heat is especially dangerous for people with chronic diseases

In connection with the expected hot weather this weekend, the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital urges the residents of Latvia to exercise increased caution, especially for those with chronic diseases.

During the upcoming hot weekend, the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) urges residents to pay special attention to their health. Medical professionals recommend drinking enough fluids, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and limiting physical activities during the hottest hours of the day.

According to the hospital, every summer dozens of patients are admitted to the emergency department whose condition deteriorates sharply due to the heat. The main causes are overheating, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Doctors note that high temperatures create additional stress on the body, making children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic heart, vascular, lung, and kidney diseases particularly vulnerable.

Viesturs Spalis, the deputy head of the PSKUS emergency medicine center, emphasized that patients with severe consequences of overheating most often end up in the hospital. According to him, dehydration and heat stress can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and other complications.

Doctors remind that one of the most effective preventive measures is regular fluid intake throughout the day. It is also recommended to avoid sun exposure from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, wear light-colored clothing and headgear, and shift physical activity to the morning or evening.

Particular attention should be paid to the elderly and neighbors who may not notice the signs of overheating. In hot weather, they are advised to maintain contact more frequently and monitor their condition.

Medical professionals also warn that children, the elderly, or animals should not be left in closed vehicles even for a short time, as the temperature inside the car can quickly reach dangerous levels.

Symptoms of overheating may include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms occur, it is necessary to move to the shade or a cool place as quickly as possible, drink water, and call an ambulance at 113 if the condition worsens.

PSKUS emphasizes that patients with chronic diseases should not independently change or stop taking prescribed medications due to the heat; any doubts should be addressed to a doctor.