The following patients with chronic diseases are at significantly higher risk of heatstroke due to impaired physiological functions, medication side effects, or metabolic abnormalities:
1. Patients with Metabolic Diseases
- Diabetes: Water-electrolyte imbalances from glucose loss and impaired thermoregulation in high temperatures.
- Obesity: Excess fat tissue traps heat and reduces cooling efficiency, raising core body temperature.
2. Cardiovascular Disease Patients
- Hypertension: Heat stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing cardiac workload and destabilizing blood pressure.
- Coronary Heart Disease: High temperatures elevate myocardial oxygen demand, raising the risk of cardiovascular events.
3. Other Chronic Conditions
- Cerebrovascular Diseases: Potential damage to the thermoregulatory center in the brain reduces heat adaptation.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Compromised cardiopulmonary function worsens breathing difficulties and hypoxia in hot environments.
4. Patients on Long-Term Medications
- Those taking anticholinergic drugs (e.g., antihistamines), diuretics, or psychotropic medications: These drugs may suppress sweating or disrupt thermoregulation, increasing heat retention.
Key Risk Mechanisms:
- Impaired Physiological Regulation: Chronic diseases weaken temperature regulation, circulation, and stress response systems.
- Medication Effects: Some drugs directly inhibit heat dissipation or exacerbate dehydration.
- Disease Complications: Conditions like diabetes-induced electrolyte imbalances or cardiovascular hemodynamic instability reduce heat tolerance.
Recommendations:
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours; maintain indoor ventilation and cooling.
- Regularly monitor blood pressure and blood sugar; adjust medications under medical guidance.
- Hydrate frequently with electrolyte-rich fluids and avoid strenuous exertion.
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