Portugal’s Cardiovascular Association launches summer heart‑health campaign

The Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (APIC) is running the fifth edition of its “Heart health doesn’t take holidays” campaign. The programme urges the public to maintain healthy habits and take preventive measures against coronary disease throughout the summer.

APIC president Joana Delgado Silva warned that extreme heat can cause dehydration, raise cardiac stress and even trigger heat‑stroke, stressing the need to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest hours, seek cool environments and heed warning signs. She reminded that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Portugal and worldwide, and that routine behaviours such as regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and choosing a balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fat directly affect heart health.

The campaign also alerts people to chest pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting or breathlessness as emergency symptoms and advises calling 112 immediately. Portugal’s “Via Verde Coronária” emergency line is available nationwide, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even during holidays.