As local temperatures continue to measure in the mid to upper 90s, doctors at Piedmont Augusta say they have seen a sudden spike in heart attacks brought on by excessive heat.
“We have noticed numbers almost tripling of our normal numbers over the past 10-14 days, and about half of these patients have had heat related exposure,” Piedmont Augusta Cardiologist, Dr. Michael Johnson said.
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“Exposure to extreme heat for prolonged periods of time is an additional risk factor for those patients already susceptible to having a heart attack,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, individuals with known cardiovascular disease, or those who have had heart blockages, heart failure or who have previously experienced a heart attack are most susceptible; but Johnson says even those without history of heart problems should be aware of the dangers of overexposure to heat.
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“I tell the lowest risk group to be careful. Stay hydrated and be cognitive of the outside temperatures,” Johnson said. “But the intermediate and highest risk groups, I do tell them to avoid prolonged exposure to heat in the middle of day and if you have to be outside, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.”
Johnson said the most important thing is to not ignore the symptoms.
These symptoms may include shortness of breath, severe pain in the chest and back, or even just the feeling of exhaustion and nausea after prolonged periods in the heat.
“We had one person who thought they had heat exhaustion, but was having a heart attack the whole time,” Johnson said. “If they start feeling bad, it is important to take those symptoms very seriously and seek medical attention.”
