Dehydration and Sleep Deprivation Increase Heart Attack Risk

Cardiology Specialist Dr. Özlem Karaca provided important information about risky conditions that cause heart attacks. Karaca stated, "Heart attacks occur more frequently during the summer season. The most important reason for this is blood clotting as a result of salt and electrolyte loss from the body combined with insufficient fluid intake. Lack of sleep, dehydration and heavy meals can also lead to heart attacks." In hot weather, patients with heart disease and hypertension are at greater risk. For this reason, Dr. Özlem Karaca, Cardiology Specialist at Medical Park Trabzon Yıldızlı Hospital, recommends that patients should not go outside between 11:00 and 16:00 hours, should not lose sleep, should avoid heavy meals, and most importantly, should consume plenty of water. She also issued warnings to heart patients who fast. Karaca stated, "Fasting is not recommended for patients who have had a heart attack in the last 6 months, had a stent placed or bypass surgery, have severe heart failure or arrhythmia symptoms (heart rate variations). Similarly, hypertension patients should not fast until their blood pressure is stabilized. For medications taken twice daily, suhur and iftar times become important."

Consuming Plenty of Fluids and Fruits and Vegetables at Iftar is Necessary

Cardiology Specialist Dr. Özlem Karaca, providing important information to heart patients, said, "Medications should be adjusted with doctor supervision along with Ramadan. Morning medication should be taken at suhur, and evening medication at iftar. At iftar, adequate fluid consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and leaving the table without overeating is necessary. Patients who feel hungry can have light snacks again after 2-3 hours. Overeating or consuming heavy meals can cause blood to rush to the digestive system, salty and fatty foods can cause blood pressure irregularities, and all of these can disrupt the heart's blood supply and lead to heart attacks. Because fluid and mineral losses will be high due to hot weather, consumption of water, buttermilk, fresh fruit juices and other fluids, and vegetable consumption are recommended. Changes in heart rate can occur as a result of salt and electrolyte loss combined with insufficient fluid intake," she said.

Sleep Deprivation Strains the Heart

Warning patients about sleep deprivation, Dr. Özlem Karaca stated, "For heart patients and the elderly, it is appropriate to spend the hours when heat is felt most intensely resting in a cool place at home. Walking can be done in the evening as the sun's effect begins to diminish or in the early morning hours. A short nap at midday will help patients spend Ramadan more healthily. Because sleep deprivation strains the heart. Many studies on this subject have shown that cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in those with disrupted nighttime sleep patterns or those who work at night. Sleep deprivation also affects heart rhythm, causing elevated pulse rates or, in those predisposed, arrhythmias. This can lead to complaints in patients such as palpitations, feelings of chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing," she said.