The North is entering its early annual period of humid weather. Sudden weather changes have many adverse effects on cardiovascular health, especially in older adults and those with underlying conditions.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Hoai Vu, from the Cardiology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, states that when air humidity is high, sweat evaporates slowly, making the body's heat dissipation less efficient. To maintain stable body temperature, the heart must beat faster, and blood vessels constantly constrict and dilate to adapt. This adjustment can cause blood pressure to fluctuate multiple times a day, instead of remaining stable as usual. Erratic blood pressure is an independent risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction. The continuous increase and decrease in blood pressure place significant, long-term stress on vessel walls, contributing to vascular damage and the progression of atherosclerosis.

Humid weather often brings significant temperature differences between day and night. Abrupt shifts between hot and cold stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to blood pressure dysregulation. This increases blood flow pressure on the coronary artery walls, causing localized myocardial ischemia.

Individuals over 65 years old are more sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Those with existing underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or chronic kidney disease face a higher risk of blood pressure fluctuations during unfavorable weather. In these individuals, the body's self-regulating mechanism for blood pressure has declined due to age or underlying illnesses. When the environment changes suddenly, the body struggles to adapt, resulting in abnormal increases or decreases in blood pressure.

Humid weather persists in the North during the early days of the year. Photo: Ly Nguyen

A humid environment creates conditions for viruses and bacteria to thrive, increasing respiratory illnesses. Acute infections trigger systemic inflammatory responses, causing blood pressure to fluctuate and raising the risk of cardiovascular events. Humid weather can also easily lead to insomnia, fatigue, and reduced physical activity.

Doctor Vu advises people to maintain a dry and airy living environment, using a dehumidifier when necessary. Keep the body warm in the early morning or late evening when it is cold, wear appropriate clothing if the weather is hot and humid, and limit going outside during times of significant temperature fluctuation. Maintain light exercise suitable for one's physical condition, get enough sleep, avoid late-night bathing, and prefer warm water showers. Adopt a balanced diet, increase green vegetables, drink enough water, limit alcohol, reduce salt, and avoid fatty, processed foods.

Individuals with hypertension must adhere to their prescribed treatment regularly. Monitor blood pressure at home, and if abnormally high readings are recorded or symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath appear, patients should seek medical attention promptly. People with cardiovascular disease and diabetes should concurrently manage both blood pressure and their underlying conditions to prevent long-term complications.

Ly Nguyen