[Kok! Health] In Spring with Large Temperature Differences, Beware of Cardiovascular Diseases, the Main Cause of Sudden Death

"Low-Sodium Diet, Maintaining Appropriate Weight, and Regular Exercise Needed"

As spring fully arrives and the weather suddenly warms up, there is advice to be cautious of cardiovascular diseases. This is because rapid temperature changes can cause autonomic nervous system abnormalities, leading to easy blood vessel constriction.

[Image courtesy of Ewha Seoul Hospital]

Professor Ryu Sang-wan of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital advised, "Patients with cardiovascular diseases should pay more attention to bodily changes during mid-March when the temperature difference between day and night is large." In particular, Professor Ryu emphasized that patients already suffering from cardiovascular diseases need to be even more concerned about their vascular health.

According to Professor Ryu, the leading cause of sudden adult death is diseases occurring in the coronary arteries and the aorta. The coronary arteries are the arteries where angina or myocardial infarction commonly occur; they serve as pipelines supplying blood, the energy source for the heart muscle, to the heart. Coronary artery disease arises from various factors, with atherosclerosis being the most common cause. Since over 90% of coronary artery disease cases show no symptoms before occurrence, it is often called the "silent killer."

Aortic diseases also require attention during periods of large temperature differences, along with coronary artery diseases. The aorta is the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to all organs of the body. Most aortic diseases are also caused by atherosclerosis. Especially in spring, the number of people who suddenly start exercising without proper management increases, leading to a rise in diseases such as aortic dissection that can cause sudden death.

To prevent cardiovascular-related diseases, it is important to maintain vascular health regularly by keeping an appropriate weight, exercising consistently, following a low-sodium diet centered on vegetables and fish, and undergoing regular check-ups. Experts recommend for cardiovascular disease prevention: ▲eating a balanced, low-sodium diet ▲consuming sufficient fish and vegetables ▲maintaining appropriate weight and waist circumference ▲engaging in regular exercise for more than 30 minutes a day ▲regularly measuring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Professor Ryu stated, "Vascular diseases occurring in the coronary arteries, aorta, and peripheral arteries can lead to fatal outcomes such as sudden death or amputation." He emphasized, "Especially for those with risk factors for atherosclerosis such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and stress, it is essential to consult a specialist and check your vascular health status before the spring season when physical activity increases."

Professor Ryu Sang-wan, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. [Photo by Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital]