[Health Tip] Spring Days with Large Temperature Differences and Fine Dust... Be Extra Careful of 'Acute Myocardial Infarction'

Acute myocardial infarction is considered a terrifying cause of sudden death, with an initial mortality rate reaching 30%. Myocardial infarction is a condition that requires particular caution during transitional seasons with large temperature differences between day and night. Moreover, as fine dust caused by yellow dust worsens, it can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, making extra caution necessary.

Stock photo of heart disease.
Photo by Asia Economy DB

When ultrafine dust enters the blood vessels through the respiratory tract, it can lead to ischemic heart disease and heart failure, and in severe cases, death, so patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases must be especially careful. When fine dust penetrates the blood vessels, it makes the blood sticky, increasing the likelihood of developing cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Elderly individuals who contract respiratory diseases due to fine dust may have an increased risk of stroke as well as myocardial infarction, and those already suffering from heart disease are more significantly affected by fine dust. Even short-term exposure within 24 hours to an environment where ultrafine dust is 10㎍/㎥ higher increases the relative risk of general cardiovascular disease mortality by 0.4 to 1.0%. This tendency is especially pronounced in cases accompanied by diabetes, obesity, or advanced age.

Acute myocardial infarction is a disease in which the coronary arteries, the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle, suddenly become blocked, causing damage to the heart. It is one of the leading causes of sudden death. It surges in spring when the temperature difference between day and night increases, and cardiovascular diseases including acute myocardial infarction rank as the second leading cause of death among Koreans, highlighting its severity.

Choi Won-ho, a cardiology specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, "The reason for the increase in patients during the spring transitional season is that the large temperature difference causes blood vessels to constrict and blood clots to form easily, eventually leading to blood flow blockage." He added, "In other words, when the temperature difference is large, blood vessels suddenly constrict and blood clots form, blocking blood flow and causing acute myocardial infarction."

The initial symptoms usually include sudden chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweat, vomiting, and dizziness, with pain often spreading to the neck and left arm. The golden time for acute myocardial infarction is very important. Specialist Choi emphasized, "In spring, frequent fine dust occurrences and severe temperature fluctuations between morning and afternoon increase the risk of acute myocardial infarction, so if symptoms such as sudden chest pain and vomiting appear, you should immediately visit a hospital for a thorough examination."

To prevent acute myocardial infarction during the transitional season, in addition to quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet with proper nutrition is fundamental. Regular stretching and frequent intake of warm water are recommended, and when going outside, managing body temperature by wearing multiple layers of clothing is advisable. Furthermore, patients with heart disease should avoid strenuous exercise in the morning and instead engage in light calisthenics and aerobic exercise, which can be beneficial.