MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) – The number of Americans dying from heat-related cardiovascular disease is rising substantially.
According to the U.S. Centers from Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 people die in the U.S. each year as a direct cause of extreme heat. Doctors at Ruby Memorial Hospital are urging those with heart problems to avoid being in the recent heatwave.
“The demand on the heart is going to be increased by the heat obviously that will increase the risk of blood clots, electrolyte imbalances and dehydration,” Dr. Ramesh Daggubati told 5 News. “All of these can increase the risk of heart attacks. We have to be very careful it’s better to be inside especially between 12:00 to 3:00 PM when the heat is too much.”
Tuesday, Ruby Memorial saw an increase of patients experiencing problems due to the extreme heat.
“Especially today our emergency room is full and we have been seeing increased people who have come with either heart attacks or even dehydration as well,” Dr. Daggubati said. “If your on a fluid pill to reduce the amount of fluid in your body from heart failure or such conditions please be careful and maybe you will have to reduce your dose of medications and stay healthy. Drink plenty of water. Everyone should drink plenty of water at this time.”
