Aunt Li is a retired teacher in Beijing, who is over 60 years old and has a stable life. She used to bathe in hot water every morning, and it has become her daily ritual. However, an accident changed her life.
That morning, Aunt Li turned on the water heater as usual, and the water temperature was turned up very high. She was enjoying the relaxation brought by the hot water while thinking about the day's arrangement. Unexpectedly, half an hour later, she felt some discomfort in her chest, which gradually worsened. Although Aunt Li tried to be patient, her symptoms continued to worsen and she eventually had to call the emergency services. After first aid and examination at the hospital, the doctor diagnosed that she had undergone a heart attack. After treatment, Aunt Li gradually recovered, but the experience made her afraid of bathing and made her realize that some details of daily life may hide health risks.
Auntie Lee's story is not an isolated case. Studies have shown that the risk of heart attack in middle-aged and elderly people while bathing cannot be ignored. Bathing, a seemingly simple daily act, can actually have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people over the age of 55, it has become particularly important to understand the risk factors when bathing and take corresponding precautions.
High water temperature: a hidden heart killer
The effect of superheated water temperature on the cardiovascular system cannot be underestimated. High temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing the burden on the heart. When the human body is exposed to high temperatures, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops, and the heart must work faster to maintain stable blood flow, which can lead to further damage to heart function.
For middle-aged and older people, the elasticity of blood vessels is reduced, and the heart is less adaptable to temperature changes. The high temperature in a hot bath can dramatically increase the load on the heart, which can easily lead to cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Therefore, it is recommended that the water temperature should be controlled between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius when bathing. Using a water thermometer allows you to accurately measure the water temperature and ensure that it does not exceed a safe range. The water test method on the back of the hand can also effectively determine whether the water temperature is suitable.
Excessive bathing time: a hidden burden on the heart
Taking a bath for a long time will raise the body temperature and increase the burden on the heart. When the human body is immersed in hot water for a long time, the body temperature rises, the blood vessels dilate, and the heart needs extra strength to maintain normal blood circulation. For middle-aged and older adults, this additional burden may be more than the heart can handle.
The ideal bath time should be limited to 10 to 15 minutes. If you take a bath for too long and your body temperature is too high, it is easy to cause cardiovascular problems. To avoid this, you can set a timer to remind yourself not to run out of time and make sure that the bath time is within a safe range. In addition, proper intermittent and cooling during bathing is also an effective way to alleviate the problem.
Alternating hot and cold: a challenge for the heart
Alternating hot and cold bathing is quite common among middle-aged and elderly people, but this practice is extremely stressful on the heart. The alternation of hot and cold causes rapid contraction and expansion of blood vessels, causing the heart to experience violent load fluctuations in a short period of time. For middle-aged and elderly people who already have cardiovascular problems or reduced blood vessel elasticity, this drastic fluctuation may lead to an extreme burden on the heart and even cause a myocardial infarction.
In order to avoid this, middle-aged and elderly people should avoid alternating hot and cold violently when bathing. You can choose to take a warm bath to keep the water temperature stable and avoid the sharp temperature difference caused by alternating between hot and cold water. If cold water is required, the water temperature should be gradually lowered to allow the body to have an adaptation process.
Other precautions for the risk of myocardial infarction
Health check-up: regular monitoring, early detection and early intervention
The occurrence of myocardial infarction is often associated with underlying cardiovascular disease, so regular medical checkups are essential. Especially for people over the age of 55, regular physical examinations can help detect risk factors for myocardial infarction such as hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, and dyslipidemia. It is recommended to have a comprehensive physical examination once a year, including electrocardiogram, blood lipid test, blood sugar level monitoring, etc. With these tests, abnormalities can be detected early and intervention can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. For example, people with high blood pressure need to monitor changes in blood pressure and make timely changes to medications or lifestyle to reduce the risk of heart attack.
In addition, regular cardiac ultrasonography can also help assess the structure and function of the heart. By monitoring the systolic and diastolic function of the heart, signs of overload can be detected in time, so that treatment options can be adjusted to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.
Lifestyle modifications: Improve cardiovascular health in an all-round way
Lifestyle modifications are one of the key measures to prevent myocardial infarction. Here are a few tips to help boost your cardiovascular health:
Eat a balanced diet: Diet is an important factor in cardiovascular health. It is recommended to reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats and increase foods rich in unsaturated fats such as fish, nuts and olive oil. Eat more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can help lower cholesterol levels. In addition, reducing salt intake and limiting sodium intake to less than 6 grams per day can help maintain normal blood pressure levels.
Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity is great for heart health. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, is recommended per week. In addition, strength training at least twice a week can also help improve cardiovascular health. Exercise can help control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood lipid levels, which can reduce the risk of heart attack.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage the lining of blood vessels and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. Therefore, quitting smoking is a crucial step in preventing heart attack. Alcohol intake should also be moderate, with men limited to two drinks a day and women to less than one glass.
Managing stress: Long-term psychological stress can take a toll on the cardiovascular system. Learning effective stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation, can help reduce the effects of stress on the heart. Maintaining good social relationships and hobbies can also help maintain mental health.
Emergency management: The right way to deal with the precursors of a heart attack
Knowing the precursors of a heart attack and taking appropriate action if symptoms occur is key to protecting your health. Common signs of a myocardial infarction include chest discomfort, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, etc. If these symptoms occur, immediate action should be taken.
Seek medical attention quickly: If you have a precursor to a heart attack, call the emergency number immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Myocardial infarction is an emergency situation, and timely medical intervention can significantly improve survival and improve prognosis. Especially within the prime time of symptom onset (usually within 6 hours), prompt treatment is essential for myocardial preservation.
First aid measures: Before waiting for first responders to arrive, some first aid measures can be taken, such as staying quiet, avoiding strenuous activities, and sitting down to rest. If you know you have a history of heart disease and you have nitroglycerin medication with you, you can take it as directed by your doctor.
Cardiac rehabilitation program: After a heart attack, doctors usually recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program. These programs include professional exercise therapy, nutritional guidance and psychological support to help restore heart function, improve quality of life and prevent recurrence of heart attacks.
Through the implementation of the above measures, the risk of myocardial infarction can be effectively reduced and the quality of life can be improved. Health check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and emergency treatment strategies are all important aspects of protecting cardiovascular health. Regular check-ups, reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and effective response to emergencies are health strategies that every middle-aged and elderly person should pay attention to and practice.