Cardiovascular health experts warn of heat risks and gender-specific symptoms

Medical experts are highlighting specific cardiovascular risks related to environmental factors and gender-based symptom variations.

Cardiologist Dr. Cengiz Başar warned that rising summer temperatures can cause sudden blood pressure fluctuations. As the body attempts to cool itself through vasodilation and sweating, it places significant adaptive pressure on the cardiovascular system. While heat often leads to hypotension due to fluid loss, extreme heat and humidity can trigger stress responses resulting in sudden hypertension, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Patients are advised not to alter medication dosages without medical consultation.

Separately, Prof. Dr. Hatice Betül Erer noted that heart attack symptoms in women often differ from those in men. Instead of typical chest pressure, women may experience dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, or pain in the back and jaw. These symptoms, particularly in post-menopausal women or those experiencing intense emotional stress, should not be dismissed as mere fatigue or digestive issues. Erer also highlighted the risk of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) in younger women, which can be triggered by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or physical and emotional stress.