Increased temperature fluctuations lead to the rise of certain diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Cho Sung Wook, director of the Cardiovascular Center at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, explained that seasonal changes, with their significant temperature fluctuations, can cause blood vessels to constrict and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction. He advised that if someone experiences severe chest pain lasting more than 30 minutes, they should seek emergency medical attention promptly.
Myocardial infarction occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked, restricting adequate blood flow. Vascular aging begins gradually in the 30s and 40s, and repeated exposure to unhealthy lifestyles and metabolic disorders causes atherosclerosis and stenosis to progress over time. Severe pain arises during this process when the blood supply to the heart is blocked or insufficient, causing the death of the heart muscle.
One of the main symptoms of myocardial infarction is chest pain. Even if waste accumulates in the blood vessels, symptoms may not be present when the level of stenosis is not severe enough to cause circulatory issues. However, if a blood clot forms or the vessel constricts and becomes blocked, it can lead to significant circulatory issues and chest pain. Rating pain on a scale from 0 to 100, from no pain to extremely severe pain, an intensity over 70, or pain lasting more than 30 minutes should prompt a visit to the hospital.
The most concerning aspect of myocardial infarction is that there may be no significant symptoms until the disease has progressed considerably. Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, obesity, a lack of physical activity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease should be particularly cautious.
Dr. Cho emphasized, “Prevention is crucial for myocardial infarction. Therefore, it’s essential to quit smoking, limit alcohol to one or two drinks a day, eat a balanced diet low in salt, consume plenty of vegetables and fish, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day to reduce factors that contribute to vascular blockage.”
Bundang Jesaeng Hospital has implemented the AI medical solution DeepCARS, which analyzes vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature of hospitalized patients. This technology alerts healthcare providers of the risk of cardiac arrest within 24 hours, allowing for early detection of severe cases and proactive prevention, thereby protecting patient safety and lives.
