Where is it better to live for heart patients in old age? What climate is most favorable to humans?
A person’s health and mental state depend on many factors. One of them is climate, which has a huge impact on the human body. In this article we will look at how climate affects people.
When climate impacts are noticeable
The most obvious impact occurs in the following cases:
- Sudden change of weather. Sudden strong winds, thunderstorms or cold snaps cause changes in health status. In stronger people, the deterioration in well-being is practically not felt, but in heart patients, hypertensive patients, and diabetics, severe headaches begin, pressure rises up to a hypertensive crisis, and a heart attack may occur.
- Long distance moves. Climate and people have a close relationship with each other. For example, when residents of the north come to relax at the seaside, for some time they do not feel too good due to the sea air, hot sun and other factors. Doctors do not recommend long-distance travel for people with chronic diseases.
Many people believe that if you live in one place for a long time, then over time the body adapts and all influence ceases, but in fact this is not so. Climatic conditions affect people constantly. For some this is a beneficial effect, for others it is detrimental. It all depends on the individual characteristics of each person.
What is climate
This is not only the totality of hot and cold days in a year, not only the average daily temperature or the amount of precipitation. This also includes terrestrial and solar radiation, magnetic field, landscape, electricity emitted by the atmosphere. The influence of climate on humans occurs due to a combination of these factors.
Scientific approach
Even in ancient times, conclusions were made in India and Tibet about how different weather conditions, such as sun, rain, and thunderstorms, affect well-being. In these countries, they are still studying how climate affects people. For treatment, techniques that are closely related to the seasons or weather are preserved. Already in the 460s, Hippocrates wrote in his treatises that weather and health have a direct connection with each other.
The development and progression of some diseases varies throughout the year. All doctors know that in winter and autumn there is an exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases. A more scientific approach to this issue was carried out in the 19th century, when at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, prominent scientists of that time - Pavlov, Sechenov and others - studied how climate affects people. They conducted medical experiments, analyzed the available information and came to the conclusion that some epidemics appear and are especially difficult depending on climatic conditions. Thus, an outbreak of West Nile fever was recorded twice in Russia during an abnormally warm winter. Already in our time, these observations have been repeatedly confirmed.
Types of interaction
There are two types of climate influence on the body: direct and indirect. The first is directly related to climatic conditions, and its results are easily discernible. This can be observed in the processes of heat exchange between humans and the environment, as well as on the skin, sweating, blood circulation and metabolism.
The indirect influence of climate on humans lasts longer. These are changes in his body that occur after a certain period of stay in a specific natural area. One example of this influence is climate adaptation. Many climbers experience pain and breathing problems when climbing to high altitudes. However, they pass with frequent ascents or with a certain adaptation program.
The effect of high temperatures on the human body
A hot climate, especially a tropical one, is a very aggressive environment in terms of its impact on the human body. This is primarily due to increased heat transfer. At high temperatures it increases 5-6 times. This causes the receptors to transmit signals to the brain, and the blood begins to circulate much faster, at which time vasodilation occurs. If such measures are not enough to maintain heat balance, then profuse sweating begins. Most often, people susceptible to heart disease suffer from heat. Doctors confirm that hot summer is the time when most heart attacks occur, and there is also an exacerbation of chronic cardiovascular diseases.
You should also know how climate affects people living in the tropics. They have a lean build and a more sinewy structure. The inhabitants of Africa have elongated limbs. Among residents of hot countries, people with large fat deposits are less common. In general, the populations of these countries are “smaller” than those living in natural areas with a temperate climate.
Impact of lower temperatures on well-being
Those who move to the northern regions or live there permanently experience a decrease in heat transfer. This is achieved by slowing blood circulation and narrowing blood vessels. The normal reaction of the body is to achieve a balance between heat transfer and heat generation, and if this does not happen, then the body temperature gradually decreases, body functions are inhibited, mental disorder occurs, and the result is cardiac arrest. Lipid metabolism plays an important role in the normal functioning of the body where the climate is cold. Northerners have a much faster and easier metabolism, so they need to constantly replenish energy losses. For this reason, their main diet is fats and proteins.
Residents of the north have a larger build and a significant layer of subcutaneous fat, which prevents heat loss. But not all people are able to adapt normally to cold if a sudden climate change occurs. Typically, the functioning of the defense mechanism in such people leads to the fact that they develop “polar disease”. To avoid difficulties with adaptation to cold, you need to take large amounts of vitamin C.
Changing climate conditions
Weather and health have a direct and very close connection with each other. In regions characterized by gradual changes in weather conditions, people experience these transitions less acutely. It is believed that the middle zone has the most favorable climate for health. Because where the change of seasons occurs very abruptly, most people suffer from rheumatic reactions, pain in places of old injuries, and headaches associated with pressure changes.
However, there is also another side to the coin. The temperate climate is not conducive to the development of rapid adaptation to the new environment. Few people from the middle zone are able to get used to a sharp change in ambient temperature without any problems, and immediately adapt to the hot air and bright sun of the south. They suffer from headaches more often, get sunburned faster and take longer to get used to new conditions.
The fact that climate and people are inextricably linked is confirmed by the following facts:
- Residents of the south have a harder time withstanding the cold where locals can walk without wearing much clothing.
- When residents of dry areas find themselves in tropical areas where water is literally in the air, they begin to get sick.
- Heat and high humidity make people from the middle zone and northern regions lethargic, sick and apathetic, it becomes difficult for them to breathe, and sweating also increases significantly.
Temperature fluctuations
Temperature changes are a serious test for health. Climate change is especially painful for a child. What happens in the body during sudden temperature fluctuations?
A very cold climate provokes excessive excitement, while heat, on the contrary, plunges a person into a state of apathy. The change between these two states depends on the rate at which the temperature changes. With a sharp cooling or warming, chronic problems worsen and cardiovascular diseases develop. Only with a smooth transition from low to high temperatures and vice versa does the body have time to adapt.
Heights aren't safe either.
Air humidity and pressure changes are also of serious importance. First of all, this affects thermoregulation. Cold air cools the body, and hot air, on the contrary, to which the skin receptors react accordingly. This influence is very noticeable when climbing into the mountains, where climatic conditions, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and air temperature change with every ten meters.
Already at an altitude of 300 meters it begins due to the fact that the wind and low oxygen content in the air interfere with normal breathing. Blood circulation accelerates because the body tries to disperse the insufficient amount of oxygen throughout all cells. With increasing altitude, these processes intensify even more; a large number of red blood cells and hemoglobin appear in the blood.
At high altitudes, where there is low oxygen content and stronger solar radiation, a person's metabolism increases significantly. This may slow down the development of metabolic diseases. However, a sudden change in altitude can also have a detrimental effect. That is why many people are recommended to rest and undergo treatment in sanatoriums at moderate altitudes, where there is higher pressure and cleaner air, but at the same time there is a sufficient amount of oxygen. In the last century, many tuberculosis patients were sent to such sanatoriums or to places with a dry climate.
Defense mechanism
With frequent changes in natural conditions, the human body builds something like a barrier over time, so no significant changes are observed. Adaptation occurs quickly and relatively painlessly, regardless of the direction of travel and how sharply the temperature changes with climate change.
Climbers experience high G-forces on peaks, which can be fatal. Therefore, they take special ones with them, and local residents who have lived high above sea level since birth do not have such problems.
The mechanism of climate protection is currently unclear to scientists.
Seasonal variations
The influence of seasonal changes is also important. Healthy people practically do not react to them; the body itself adapts to a certain time of year and continues to function optimally for it. But people who have chronic illnesses or injuries may react painfully to the transition from one season to another. At the same time, everyone experiences a change in the speed of mental reactions, the work of the endocrine glands, as well as the rate of heat exchange. These changes are quite normal and are not abnormalities, so people do not notice them.
Meteor dependence
Some people react especially acutely to changes in temperature and climate; this phenomenon is called meteopathy, or weather dependence. There can be many reasons for this: individual characteristics of the body, weakened immunity due to illness. They may experience symptoms such as increased drowsiness and impotence, sore throat, runny nose, dizziness, inability to concentrate, difficulty breathing and nausea.
In order to overcome these problems, it is necessary to analyze your condition and identify what specific changes cause these symptoms. After that, you can try to cope with them. First of all, a healthy lifestyle contributes to the normalization of the general condition. It includes: long sleep, proper nutrition, walks in the fresh air, moderate physical activity.
To combat the heat and dry air, you can use air fresheners and air conditioners; it helps. Be sure to eat fresh fruits and meat.
Climate changes during pregnancy
Often, weather dependence can occur in pregnant women who previously experienced the change of seasons or weather completely calmly.
Pregnant women are not recommended to travel long distances or travel long distances. In an “interesting” position, the body is already exposed to stress from hormonal changes, moreover, most of the beneficial substances go to the fetus, and not to the female body. For these reasons, additional stress associated with adapting to a new climate while traveling is completely unnecessary.
The influence of climate on the children's body
Children are also sensitive to climate change. But here everything happens a little differently than with adults. A child’s body, in principle, adapts much faster to any conditions, so a healthy child does not experience major problems when the season or climate changes.
The main problem with climate change lies not in the process of adaptation, but in the reaction of the child himself. Any climate change causes certain processes in the human body. And while adults are able to respond adequately to them, for example, in the heat, hide in the shade or put on hats, then children’s sense of self-preservation is not so developed. Body signals in adults will lead to the adoption of certain measures, the child will ignore them. It is for this reason that during climate change, adults should closely monitor the baby’s condition.
Because children react more sharply to various climate changes, there is a whole section in medicine - climatotherapy. Doctors who practice this treatment can achieve significant improvements in a child's health without the help of drugs.
The sea or mountain climate has the most beneficial effect on the child's body. Sea salt water and sunbathing have a beneficial effect on his mental state, and also improve overall health and promote the production of vitamin D.
In order to achieve a certain effect, the child needs to spend at least four weeks at the resort; this period is considered optimal. In severe forms of chronic diseases or pathologies, the sanatorium period can take several months. Most often, treatment in sea and mountain areas is used for children with rickets, respiratory and skin diseases, and mental disorders.
The influence of climate on older people
Elderly people are a category that needs to be especially careful about climate change or travel. This is primarily due to the fact that older people often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as the musculoskeletal system. A sharp change in climate can have a detrimental effect on their well-being and the course of these diseases. In summer, attacks occur most often, and the mortality rate among older people increases.
The second factor is the speed of adaptation, as well as habits. If a young and healthy person needs from five to seven days to adapt to a new climate, then for older people these periods increase significantly, and the body is not always able to adequately respond to changes in temperature, humidity or pressure. This is the risk of traveling for older people.
Health effects of different climate zones
Has a beneficial effect on people with nervous system disorders. Cool air does not cause irritation; near the sea there is rarely a sudden change in temperature; it is warmer there in winter and cooler in summer. In addition, the sea dissipates solar radiation, and the opportunity to enjoy large open spaces is good for the eyes and calms the nerves.
The mountain climate, on the contrary, serves to stimulate nervous activity and increase performance. This happens due to high blood pressure and frequent temperature changes, when you can sunbathe during the day, but at night you have to save yourself from frostbite. The rapid change of day and night plays a role, because in the mountains this process is almost unnoticeable. Very often, people engaged in creative activities go to the mountains to gain inspiration.
The northern climate, where it is constantly cold and there is no particular variety of landscapes, strengthens not only character, but also human health. Scientists have proven that people who constantly live in cold climates are more resistant to various diseases, including chronic ones. Residents of the north practically do not suffer from diabetes and age more slowly.
Around the globe, there are 100 - 200 million people suffering from bronchial asthma. And almost everyone wonders what climate is best for permanent residence so that attacks of the disease occur as rarely as possible.
It is absolutely wrong to say that a particular locality may be suitable for asthmatics. However, when choosing a place to live, several factors must be taken into account: temperature, humidity, allergic status and the presence of beneficial substances in the air. Based on these factors, you should choose a territory where you can move for permanent residence.
Suitable climatic conditions
Sometimes it is enough for a city dweller to go on vacation in nature for a few days in order for the patient to feel much better. In this case, clean air has a positive effect on the body.
For patients with atopic forms of asthma, especially for parents with a sick child, it is recommended to live in mountainous areas, in close proximity to the sea. An atmosphere rich in pine scent is recommended for patients whose disease is accompanied by inflammation of the respiratory organs.
Mountain air
The mountain climate promotes enhanced functioning of the pulmonary system. This is due to certain features: the air in the mountains is much cooler and drier than on the plains. In addition, the mountain atmosphere is slightly thinner and its pressure is reduced, which has a good effect on patients.
Therefore, it is better for patients to choose mountainous areas to live and stop chronic oxygen starvation. You can go to mountainous areas even for a short vacation, “escaping” from the usual allergens to improve the general condition of the body.
Coniferous air
It has been experimentally revealed that for patients with bronchial symptoms, especially in sick children, inhalation of pine air has a positive effect. Inhaling the scent of pine needles can dramatically reduce the number of asthmatic exacerbations. If you cannot move permanently to such areas, then it is recommended to go out into nature for several weeks so that the healthy pine air saturates the body with oxygen.
The positive effects of pine needles can be explained by the presence of phytoncides that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. In this regard, needles better supply the pulmonary system with oxygen, and phytoncides prevent the development of inflammatory processes.
Sea air
Sea air, warming up to a temperature of 25-30 degrees, can be considered a salvation for patients. It is useful for patients due to the high content of salt and iodine particles in the air, which settle in the respiratory tract and prevent them from clogging with mucus.
In addition, it is necessary to remember that the state of the nervous system depends on the choice of place of residence. This condition also needs to be taken into account.
Where can asthmatics move?
Since asthmatic attacks occur as a result of a combination of external and internal factors, including temperature changes, changes in humidity levels, etc. It is simply impossible to protect yourself from them. However, there are certain zones and corners of the world in which the climate is most favorable for both an adult patient and a child, for example, Bulgaria.
A good climate for people with bronchopulmonary diseases is:
- Germany, Israel, France;
- Montenegro and Slovenia, Croatia;
- Spain, Cyprus;
- Bulgaria deserves special attention. Recently, this state has become popular among asthmatics. This, first of all, indicates that Bulgaria has a mild, dry climate, which has a positive effect on the well-being of patients.
Among citizens of Russia and neighboring countries, the most famous regions are those whose climate is simply created for such patients:
- Crimea;
- Altai;
- Krasnodar region;
- North Caucasus.
Crimea
For most patients, Crimea (Sevastopol, Feodosia, Evpatoria), with its dry and warm climate, is the best choice. It is advisable to choose a region to live near coniferous forests. The clean air of Feodosia has a beneficial effect.
Due to the fact that Crimea (Feodosia, Evpatoria, etc.) is characterized mainly by a temperate climatic zone, it has long been used as a leader in sanatorium treatment of bronchial diseases. Most often, patients are sent to Crimea (Evpatoria, Sevastopol, favorable conditions in Feodosia).
This allows you to reduce the frequency of attacks of the disease and minimize the presence of allergens. Mild climate of Feodosia, Evpatoria, etc. combines the air of the sea, plains, and coniferous forests. That is why Crimea (Evpatoria, Feodosia, etc.) is recommended for permanent residence of bronchopulmonary patients.
North Caucasus
Minvody, Kislovodsk, as well as the area near Pyatigorsk are considered a classic place for people with bronchial symptoms. The mountain microclimate helps saturate the body with oxygen, facilitating breathing and reducing the development of asthma attacks.
Abkhazia (Batumi, Sukhumi, etc.) are recommended for permanent residence and treatment of patients with bronchial symptoms. It has a sufficient number of favorable zones. Abkhazia (the old part), in which the resort town of Gagra is located, is located on the slopes of the mountains and at a fairly high sea level, will be an ideal place for the treatment and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases.
Abkhazia is famous for its coniferous forests, which cleanse the atmosphere of harmful substances and allergens, enriching it with beneficial phytoncides, which is very useful for bronchopulmonary diseases. Thanks to this, Abkhazia is recommended for permanent stay and treatment of bronchopulmonary patients.
Russia
The Astrakhan, Belgorod, Volgograd, and Orenburg regions are favorable. In addition, the climate of Tatarstan and Altai is useful. It should be noted that these are the most profitable options where we can recommend that patients with bronchial symptoms go. In the case where the symptoms of the disease are clearly manifested in children, it is recommended to move with the child closer to this area.
The Krasnodar region, where sea and mountain air is combined, is most often recommended for the treatment of children. That is why Anapa and Gelendzhik are especially popular among asthmatics.
It should be noted that, contrary to popular belief, the Sochi climate is not good for all patients. Frequent cases of exacerbation of asthmatic attacks have been noted in Sochi. This is due, first of all, to high air humidity, so it is preferable to choose Crimea (Sevastopol, Feodosia and Evpatoria) and other coastal climatic zones, avoiding Sochi.
Ukraine
In this climatic zone there are salt caves for which this region is famous. There are such caves in the Carpathians (Truskavets), Solotvyno (located near the Romanian border).
There are also salt deposits in Vinnitsa. Unlike the coal cave, the salt caves are white, shiny and there is salt under your feet instead of sand. For asthmatics, it is very useful to stay in salt caves and breathe in the vapors of the salt released. Similar caves exist in Soligorsk, located in Belarus.
Residence in places is contraindicated:
- with low clouds;
- frequent movement of air fronts;
- predominantly clay soils;
- high humidity.
The development of bronchial asthma is promoted by cold climates, so people with such symptoms should not live in Antarctica and the North Pole. Living in a tropical climate is undesirable due to high humidity.
Most often, people living in large cities are predisposed to developing the disease. There are a number of provoking factors for this, including a poor environmental situation.
In this regard, we can say with confidence where you should not move. First of all, these are cities such as St. Petersburg, where it is damp and humid, which is contraindicated for bronchopulmonary patients. In addition, it is not recommended to live in Nizhny Tagil and other cities with many industrial enterprises that pollute the environment.
No temperature fluctuations; No high humidity; Blood pressure in a person's blood is maintained at the same elevated level.
Air humidity increases; Oxygen concentration decreases; In humans, blood pressure decreases.
Reduced blood pressure; Reduced blood flow speed.
physical exercise
complications are possible
Average air temperatures and frequency, sharpness of their fluctuations; Type and amount of precipitation, its extent and distribution throughout the year.
Initially, under the influence of heat, the blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops. But not for long. The body begins to sweat and fluid is lost. Along with the loss of fluid, the blood thickens, the vessels narrow, the pressure increases and remains constantly high. The tension of the blood vessels and heart muscle is maintained as long as the blood remains viscous. Against the background of blood thickening and a decrease in blood pressure, clots (thrombi) form. When sweating, the body loses mineral salts (potassium, magnesium).
complications and crises
Drink the bulk of the water in the morning and evening (before the heat sets in and after it goes away). The smaller part is during the day. To drink during hot weather, add a little salt to the water. After eating, you can’t drink water right away, you can drink it after half an hour. Avoid contrasts - do not drink water from the freezer. Sudden cooling causes constriction and spasm of blood vessels. Afterwards - their strong expansion. Such jumps and changes are undesirable for a hypertensive patient.
Avoid alcohol (taking poisons increases dehydration, takes away available water for detoxification, removal of poison). Avoid smoking (tobacco thickens the blood, slows down its flow, and increases blood pressure). Avoid heavy foods (fried, fatty, smoked, highly salted) - excess salt retains water and reduces heat transfer (sweating). In hot weather, replace traditional food with fresh juicy fruits (watermelons, melons). Replace hot dishes with cold ones. If possible, walk barefoot (to improve blood circulation and provide additional heat exchange - walking barefoot cools).
Increased pressure; Frequent pulse; Heart pain; Dyspnea; Pale and blue lips.
Interesting to know: failure to comply with the acclimatization rules leads to “altitude sickness.” Its symptoms are weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache. In severe cases, signs of alcohol intoxication appear - swagger, uncritical assessment of the situation, euphoria
The level of hemoglobin increases (doctors know that for residents of high mountain villages the norm of red blood cells in the blood is 15-20% higher); The concentration of glucose in the blood decreases (viscosity decreases, fluidity increases); The mass of circulating blood increases; The minute volume of breathing increases, hyperventilation of the lungs is formed - the body launches these reactions as protection against a lack of oxygen.
It is necessary to climb the mountains slowly. A sharp rise in altitude (even in low mountains, up to 1000 m) disrupts the blood supply to the entire body and brain (hence headaches, and in difficult cases, intoxication and a state of “alcohol intoxication”). An easy and harmless climb to a height in a cable car is undesirable for a person with hypertension. It is better to go up the mountain slowly, on foot. You should not climb to heights higher than 1500 m. If the slightest signs of discomfort or malaise appear, you need to stop climbing and go down a little (at least 100-200 m, depending on how you feel)
Even in tsarist times, in order to improve their health, people traveled to the Crimea, to the Black Sea coast or to the steppe regions of the North Caucasus. In this way, even serious diseases were treated, for example, tuberculosis, hemophilia, anemia, and many cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, the climate treatment method is still relevant. Of course, first you need to find out the effectiveness of this method of treatment. Also, hypertensive patients need to choose the best climate for a healing holiday.
If you look on the Internet for answers to the question of where it is better for hypertensive patients to live, you will find many real-life examples. Here are just two of them:
A 60-year-old man lived in Murmansk, his average upper pressure was 160-170, and on some days it reached 180-200. He loved to relax on the coast in Crimea, where he felt much better, the average upper pressure dropped to 110-130. I even stopped taking pills
A woman lived on Sakhalin; her blood pressure and headaches became more and more problematic as she grew older. Doctors advised me to go to sanatoriums in central Russia. She visited resorts near Kazan, where she felt much better. Upon returning to their native land, all the problems returned
There are a lot of such examples; as you can see, climate treatment is not just a superstition, but a real way to improve your well-being. But it’s interesting that next to these examples you can find reviews that say that changing your place of residence had no effect on hypertension.
There have been few observations of the effects of climate on blood pressure levels. They all gave different results. For example, it has been noted that residents of the subtropics and tropics have lower blood pressure than the population of Europe or Russia. The difference in pressure is 8-15 for lower pressure and 10-20 for upper pressure. But at the same time, citizens of the northern territories of our country have the same pressure as residents of the Moscow region.
If we compare not the average “healthy” pressure, but the tendency to hypertension, then there are no clear conclusions here either. The most instructive example is the peoples of West and East Africa. The climate in both areas is exactly the same, but residents of the western part of the continent suffer from hypertension 2-3 times more often than their eastern neighbors.
Citizens of the west coast of Asia suffer from hypertension less often, while in Japan, on the contrary, it is observed more often and is much more severe. This has nothing to do with nationality, since visiting tourists also experience similar problems. The opposite result was obtained in a study of the northern regions of Russia. While at the drifting polar station, the pressure dropped significantly, and when returning to the continent it increased to normal.
The only clear result is a study of blood pressure levels in one group of people when changing latitudes. The observation was carried out while the ship was traveling from the Baltic Sea to the South Pole. The ship's crew's pressure decreased when they were in the tropics, increased when moving to mid-latitudes, and dropped again when entering the cold regions of Antarctica.
However, the problem of hypertensive patients directly depends on fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. Firstly, with atmospheric changes, the pressure in the lungs and inside the abdominal cavity changes. Secondly, the difference between the pressure of gases dissolved in the blood and the atmosphere directly affects hypertension.
The figure shows that with a decrease in atmospheric pressure by 4.25 mm Hg. Art. (horizontal scale), blood pressure (vertical scale) increases by 13 mmHg. Art. But it is worth understanding that this dependence is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity, as well as rain and sun.
It turns out that there are no clear results, but still, for hypertensive patients, a climate without sudden changes in pressure and weather is recommended. Continental regions have such indicators; you can choose places closer to the south - the territory of the North Caucasus. Residents of the southern regions may be better off moving closer to the north. But at the same time, you need to focus on your own well-being, and not the instructions of doctors.
When choosing a location, consider average summer temperature and humidity. With moderate humidity, the average temperature should not exceed 22°C. Therefore, hypertensive patients are advised to vacation in the south of Russia not in the summer, but in the winter and autumn months. High air humidity inhibits pulmonary and cardiac activity. Therefore, forest, steppe and mountain areas are preferable.
Important! You cannot jump over climatic zones. It is recommended to visit only neighboring zones; for example, it is useful for residents of mid-latitudes to travel to the subtropics, but not to the tropics.
The mountainous climate of the southern territories is recommended for hypertensive patients due to the dry and warm air with the almost complete absence of rapid weather changes. The mountains usually have very clean air and low humidity. All these climate properties are indicated for people suffering from hypertension.
Forest climates are indicated for the same reasons - moderate or low humidity and usually a gradual change in temperature. In addition, forests create excellent shade where you can hide in hot weather. Coniferous forests are especially recommended; they provide better shade and lower humidity.
The maritime climate of the subtropics and mid-latitudes is recommended due to moderate humidity and the absence of sudden temperature changes. Of course, it is better to visit these places in autumn-spring and winter; in summer it can be too hot and humid. Significant support is provided by air saturated with ions of sea salts.
Arterial pressure is the intravascular pressure through which blood moves and metabolic processes are activated.
Blood pressure is determined by such indicators as blood characteristics (quantity, viscosity), resistance of the vascular walls, heart rate, pressure created in the abdominal cavity and chest.
When the left ventricle contracts, blood flows to the aorta. During this process, pressure can increase to 140 mmHg. Art. But when blood enters small arteries, its level drops to 80 mmHg. Art.
So, the greater the distance from the heart, the lower the blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 130 (upper) and 80 (lower) mm Hg. Art. But in physically active people, such indicators may be below 90-100/60-50 mm Hg. Art.
It is worth noting that a healthy body adapts well to changes in the external environment. For example, during sports, blood pressure increases, but after that self-regulation processes begin and the pressure normalizes on its own
However, for hypertensive patients, intense exercise, and even more so a different climate, can bring a lot of health problems. After all, when there are failures in such processes, blood pressure is always either underestimated or increased. But how do climate changes affect the body of a person suffering from hypertension? And where in Russia is it better to live for people with such a diagnosis?
Today, many studies are being conducted to determine the influence of atmospheric conditions on the human body. Interestingly, their results differ.
Thus, it was found that people living in the tropics and subtropics have lower blood pressure levels than Russians or Europeans.
The difference in numbers for diastolic is 8-15, and systolic is 10-20. Although residents of server Russia have pressure identical to those of those living in the Moscow region.
In the case of comparing the tendency to hypertension, there are no clear conclusions in this case either.
Thus, the climate in East and West Africa is the same, but people living in the western part of the continent suffer from arterial hypertension 2-3 times more often than their eastern neighbors.
It is noteworthy that in hypertensive patients the level of blood pressure is directly related to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. So, in the event of a change in pressure, pressure changes occur in the human body (abdominal cavity, lungs), in other words, the influence of atmospheric pressure on a person’s blood pressure is always quite significant.
In addition, the difference between atmospheric pressure and dissolved gases in the blood affects hypertension. Thus, when atmospheric pressure drops, the blood pressure level of a hypertensive patient increases. However, before choosing the best place to live in Russia, you should pay attention to some tips.
Thus, fluctuations in blood pressure during hypertension are influenced by factors such as:
- rains;
- air humidity;
- Sun;
- temperature.
Despite the fact that the research results are ambiguous, there are still certain tips for people with hypertension on choosing a place to relax and live.
So, it is best to choose a climate where there are no sudden changes in weather and pressure. For example, Anapa resorts are suitable for vacation, but in Russia it is still better to live in the north.
In addition, it is important to take into account humidity and average summer temperatures. Humidity should be moderate and temperature should not exceed 22 degrees. Consequently, the advice of doctors boils down to the fact that it is preferable for hypertensive patients to relax in the south of Russia (Anapa resorts) in the autumn-winter period.
In addition, high humidity does not always have a favorable effect on the functioning of the cardiac and pulmonary systems. For these reasons, it is necessary to choose mountain, steppe and forest areas.
It is worth noting that it is not advisable to jump through climatic zones with hypertension. Therefore, you should visit neighboring zones. For example, people living in mid-latitudes are recommended to vacation in subtropical, but not tropical countries.
The mountain climate in the southern regions of Russia, such as in Anapa sanatoriums, is very useful for hypertensive patients, thanks to the warm, dry, clean air and the absence of sudden weather changes.
Also, the advice of many doctors boils down to the fact that for arterial hypertension, a forest climate is useful, due to low or moderate humidity and a gradual change in temperature. In addition, tree branches create shade under which you can hide in hot weather.
It is worth noting that with frequent hypertensive crises, it is better to live or periodically relax near coniferous forests. After all, fresh air with phytoncides has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels and activates blood circulation. Even in severe stages of hypertension, the steppe climate will be useful, improving blood composition (increasing the concentration of red blood cells) and lowering blood pressure.
The maritime climate of mid-latitudes and subtropics is also recommended for hypertensive patients. Indeed, in such areas, as a rule, there are no temperature fluctuations, the humidity is moderate, and the air is replete with ions of sea salts.
Climatic therapy is an effective method of combating heart and vascular diseases, including arterial hypertension. The sea, forest and mountain air in Anapa sanatoriums is saturated with minerals and phytoncides, which have a positive effect on the human body.
It is noteworthy that to achieve a therapeutic effect it is not at all necessary to undergo procedures in hospitals and sanatoriums of Anapa, which is undoubtedly beneficial for health. So, to normalize blood pressure and improve the well-being of a hypertensive patient, it is enough to stay in the city.
However, for hypertension and for its prevention, doctors' advice indicates that it is better to undergo a therapeutic course in a resort area. Thus, mineral springs, a temperate climate, healing mud and clean sea air make Anapa the best place for the treatment of heart and vascular diseases.
Sanatorium treatment includes a lot of useful procedures and activities:
- climatotherapy;
- pearl, iodine-bromine, radon baths;
- diet therapy;
- balanced sleep and rest regime;
- electrotherapy;
- massage for hypertension;
- hydrokinesitherapy and so on.
In addition to the procedures described above, hypertensive patients can be prescribed all kinds of herbal teas and oxygen cocktails. An infrared sauna, hydromassage and speleotherapy are also used. In addition, walking and prolonged exposure to fresh air have a strong therapeutic effect.
Before prescribing any procedures, sanatorium doctors conduct a full examination, which makes it possible to find out the characteristics of hypertension (stage, form, risk factors) and the presence of concomitant diseases. For this purpose, the following studies are carried out:
- urine and blood analysis;
- ultrasound examination of the heart.
It is worth noting that at the initial stage of hypertension, sanatorium treatment brings good results even without the use of medications. After all, rest from physical and mental stress, a calm and comfortable environment, together with positive emotions, contribute to the natural normalization of blood pressure.
To get acquainted with the problem of hypertension, we offer a video in this article, which raises the issue of high blood pressure.
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Hypertension determines the body's reactions to weather changes, travel and flights. High blood pressure sets conditions for the way of life, nutrition, and climate of residence. In a mild, dry climate, hypertensive crises occur less frequently than in a sharply continental zone.
Where in Russia is it better for hypertensive patients to live - in the northern regions or in the south? And is it possible for a person with high blood pressure to climb mountains or relax near the sea?
Fluctuations in weather conditions, changes in pressure and temperature cause an adaptation reaction in the human body. The basis of various reactions is the expansion or narrowing of blood vessels. Therefore, people with vascular disorders painfully endure weather fluctuations and climate change.
How does a person with high blood pressure react to changes in temperature and pressure?
Atmospheric pressure determines the internal pressure of human liquid media. Thus, an increase in external atmosphere increases blood pressure. Conversely, lowering the external atmosphere reduces it.
Clear weather without precipitation corresponds to high pressure. In clear weather:
- No temperature fluctuations;
- No high humidity;
- Blood pressure in a person's blood is maintained at the same elevated level.
The approach of a rain front corresponds to a decrease in pressure. Clouds retain some of the heat and evaporation reflected from the Earth's surface. Therefore the following happens:
- Air humidity increases;
- Oxygen concentration decreases;
- In humans, blood pressure decreases.
Interesting to know: the amount of pressure depends on the altitude of the area above sea level. Thus, the atmospheric pressure in St. Petersburg, where the height above the sea is only 30 m, is 760 mm Hg. Art. But in Kislovodsk, where the altitude is 800 m, the atmospheric pressure is reduced to 690 mm Hg. Art.
Changes in atmospheric pressure cause adaptation reactions. Low atmospheric pressure forms the following processes in the human body:
- Reduced blood pressure;
- Reduced blood flow speed.
Thus, the condition of the hypertensive patient improves and approaches normal. However, lowering blood pressure is not always beneficial for hypertensive patients. If bad weather occurs in the fall, the hypertensive person feels good. If the pressure decreases in the hot summer, then high humidity is formed, which has a bad effect on the well-being of a person with high blood pressure.
High atmospheric pressure causes an increase in blood pressure. For a hypertensive patient, this is dangerous due to a hypertensive crisis. A strong increase in pressure or a sharp change in it is poorly tolerated by people with diseased blood vessels (with diagnoses of hypertension and VSD).
Conclusions: When the weather changes and an anticyclone sets in, hypertensive patients need to limit everything
physical exercise
Provide emotional peace. Otherwise -
complications are possible
Hypertension and climate
Factors that characterize the climate in a particular area include:
- Average air temperatures and frequency, sharpness of their fluctuations;
- Type and amount of precipitation, its extent and distribution throughout the year.
Considering the climate, which region should a hypertensive patient choose for a comfortable stay?
It is better for hypertensive patients to spend the summer in a continental climate. At this time, warm, dry weather sets in here. The absence of high humidity and sudden temperature changes guarantees a comfortable feeling for hypertensive patients.
When choosing a city for summer residence, keep in mind: in the temperate zone, heat is possible, in the northern territories there will be no heat, you will only get pleasant summer warmth.
Sochi is a popular climatic resort. It has a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 0 to +30°C. Humidity is maintained at 70-80% throughout the year. Therefore, the best time for hypertensive patients to visit Sochi is the cool season (early spring, winter, autumn).
In summer, the subtropics become too humid. Against the backdrop of heat, patients with hypertension may experience crisis conditions. Therefore, you should not go to Sochi in June, July, August.
In summer you can visit the northern Black Sea coast - from Anapa to Tuapse. It has a semi-dry Mediterranean climate. It is characterized by a small amount of summer humidity and a high concentration of moisture in winter.
Therefore, a summer holiday in Anapa is something that hypertensive patients can do.
Also, due to high humidity, hypertensive patients feel unwell in many coastal cities. Hypertension often increases in Murmansk, Vladivostok, and St. Petersburg. And weakens after moving inland.
Therefore, if as you get older you feel the climate is not right, you will have to change your place of residence.
The coast of the Crimean peninsula differs from Sochi and Adler in a drier climate. There are warm, dry summers and wet winters. Therefore, it is in Crimea that hypertensive patients feel comfortable throughout the summer months.
The southern climate is characterized by a significant rise in temperatures. How does heat affect the human body? What changes occur in the blood of a hypertensive patient at temperatures above +30°C?
Let us list what processes occur inside a person during heat:
- Initially, under the influence of heat, the blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops. But not for long.
- The body begins to sweat and fluid is lost. Along with the loss of fluid, the blood thickens, the vessels narrow, the pressure increases and remains constantly high. The tension of the blood vessels and heart muscle is maintained as long as the blood remains viscous. Against the background of blood thickening and a decrease in blood pressure, clots (thrombi) form.
- When sweating, the body loses mineral salts (potassium, magnesium).
If a hypertensive person drinks water, his blood thins, his blood pressure decreases and returns to normal. For a patient with hypertension, it is necessary not only to drink fluids, but also to replenish the supply of minerals (take pharmaceutical complexes with potassium, magnesium).
Conclusions: Hypertensive patients can tolerate heat without
complications and crises
It is necessary to drink water often and maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance.
How to drink water in the heat if you have hypertension
Hypertensive patients need water at any outside temperature. Often in the heat there is not enough of it, and then a person becomes ill. In order for water to be absorbed without swelling, you must follow the following drinking rules:
- Drink the bulk of the water in the morning and evening (before the heat sets in and after it goes away).
- The smaller part is during the day.
- To drink during hot weather, add a little salt to the water.
- After eating, you can’t drink water right away, you can drink it after half an hour.
- Avoid contrasts - do not drink water from the freezer. Sudden cooling causes constriction and spasm of blood vessels. Afterwards - their strong expansion. Such jumps and changes are undesirable for a hypertensive patient.
What else is important for a hypertensive patient in the heat?
- Avoid alcohol (taking poisons increases dehydration, takes away available water for detoxification, removal of poison).
- Avoid smoking (tobacco thickens the blood, slows down its flow, and increases blood pressure).
- Avoid heavy foods (fried, fatty, smoked, highly salted) - excess salt retains water and reduces heat transfer (sweating).
- In hot weather, replace traditional food with fresh juicy fruits (watermelons, melons). Replace hot dishes with cold ones.
- If possible, walk barefoot (to improve blood circulation and provide additional heat exchange - walking barefoot cools).
For a patient with hypertension, it is important that vacations in the south take place in climatic zones with little humidity. Then the risk of complications and the likelihood of crises will be minimized. Why is high humidity bad for hypertensive patients?
It is known that the feeling of heat becomes worse in humid air. The higher the humidity, the more difficult the heat is to bear. The process of wet sweating at 30°C is similar to dry sweating at +50°C. Therefore, a wet Russian steam room, with a temperature of +60°C, makes you sweat much more than a dry Finnish sauna (+100 +120°C).
Patients with hypertension often experience crises in heat and high humidity. This is due to endless sweating. Drops of sweat on the surface of the skin do not cool the body; sweat is released non-stop, thickening the blood and increasing blood pressure. The heart works under great overload.
Hence the conclusion: staying in the heat is not contraindicated for hypertensive patients in a dry climate (as long as the drinking regime is observed). But humid hot air is undesirable for hypertensive patients. Therefore, a summer holiday in Sochi is not always useful for a patient with hypertension (the humidity here is 80%). A trip to the Crimean coast with a drier climate will be more beneficial.
How do mountains affect the human body? As altitude changes, atmospheric pressure decreases. For every 500 m of ascent it decreases by 30-40 mm. At an altitude of 1000 m, the pressure is 700 mm Hg. Art., and at an altitude of 2000 m it is equal to 630 mm.
The air is also thinner in the mountains. Lack of oxygen disrupts the functioning of the heart and requires adaptation and adaptation to hypoxia. At the time of the disorder, when the body has not yet adapted, a person may:
- Increased pressure;
- Frequent pulse;
- Heart pain;
- Dyspnea;
- Pale and blue lips.
The reaction of adaptation to conditions of low pressure and lack of oxygen lasts several days. Therefore, climbers have adopted the so-called acclimatization - a slow ascent to the mountains with long stops.
The listed symptoms represent signs of intoxication. If the elevation difference was small (1.5-2 km), then within two days the condition returns to normal. If the difference in altitude was significant (3-4 thousand m), then severe outcomes are possible (a sharp increase in blood pressure, respiratory failure, suffocation, pulmonary edema). Facts of such outcomes have been observed more than once on the city of Elbrus, where the cable car operates, and a person has the opportunity to climb 4,000 m within 15-20 minutes (without any preparation).
How the body adapts to the mountains:
- The level of hemoglobin increases (doctors know that for residents of high mountain villages the norm of red blood cells in the blood is 15-20% higher);
- The concentration of glucose in the blood decreases (viscosity decreases, fluidity increases);
- The mass of circulating blood increases;
- The minute volume of breathing increases, hyperventilation of the lungs is formed - the body launches these reactions as protection against a lack of oxygen.
As a result of adaptation reactions, the pressure and blood supply to the organs are normalized.
How to organize a trip to the mountains for a hypertensive patient:
- It is necessary to climb the mountains slowly. A sharp rise in altitude (even in low mountains, up to 1000 m) disrupts the blood supply to the entire body and brain (hence headaches, and in difficult cases, intoxication and a state of “alcohol intoxication”).
- An easy and harmless climb to a height in a cable car is undesirable for a person with hypertension. It is better to go up the mountain slowly, on foot.
- You should not climb to altitudes higher than 1500 m.
- If the slightest signs of discomfort or malaise appear, you need to stop climbing and go down a little (at least 100-200 m, depending on how you feel)
Important: a person with hypertension needs to travel to the mountains as part of a team that can provide him with the necessary first aid.
We found out that hypertensive patients can afford long trips, mountain hikes and seaside holidays. However, it is necessary to follow certain rules, drink water and not make sudden ascents or incorrect movements. The combination of heat and humidity, as well as climbing to high altitudes, should be avoided.
Last modified: November 30th, 2018 at 04:19 am
Hippocrates also advised his colleagues to listen to climatic conditions and not to undertake operations, cauterization and bloodletting during weather changes. And for good reason. It has been scientifically proven that evolutionarily humans have developed reactions that allow them to feel the change in weather. In the current pace of life in a big city, people seem to be losing the connection with nature that our ancestors had. People suffering from hypertension are most sensitive to weather changes. Medical opinions agree that weather dependence is not a pathology, since no changes have been identified in the bodies of weather-sensitive patients.
A natural reaction to the environment is the absence of any pain when the weather changes. However, older people more often notice the occurrence of unpleasant sensations and know what to expect from a snowstorm or downpour. The point is that the body’s adaptation mechanisms are reduced. Frequent walks in the fresh air will help increase your resistance to weather conditions.
The thing is that there is a relationship between human blood pressure and atmospheric pressure. If the pressure in the environment decreases, this entails a decrease in the percentage of oxygen in the blood. As a result, blood pressure decreases and blood flow slows down.
Most often, the dependence “decrease in atmospheric pressure - decrease in blood pressure” is felt by hypotensive people.
People with high blood pressure and hypertension experience what is called an inverse relationship. The bottom line is that when atmospheric pressure increases, systolic and diastolic indicators decrease, and when they decrease, on the contrary, they increase.
Since people are not able to influence weather conditions, it is necessary to study the weather forecast. This will help prepare the vessels for the expected changes. If the forecast speaks of an anticyclone, then increased pressure should be expected. If we talk about a cyclone, then, accordingly, it will be reduced.
The Russian Federation is geographically the largest country in the world, covering an area of 17,125,187 km2 and located primarily in the northern part of Eurasia. It covers 4 climate zones: arctic, subarctic, temperate and subtropical.
The most favorable climate for human habitation and activity is considered, as one might guess from the name, moderate, because everything is in moderation - temperature, precipitation, wind, solar exposure, atmospheric pressure, etc. It covers the predominant part of Russia where the majority of the population is concentrated.
However, not everything is so rosy, because in each territory, even in the temperate zone, the location of the seas, oceans, underlying surface, mountains, etc. has its own influence. Specialists in environmental meteorology (formerly bioclimatology) have long identified the main factors that create a positive or negative influence climate per person.One of the first major benefits is considered to be that a person needs to receive in a year. at least 45 “doses”. The sun's rays strengthen the immune system, destroy microorganisms on the skin, prevent the development of rickets, its effect on growing children is especially important.
Ultraviolet effects on the human body can be compared to plants that bloom in the sun but do not grow well in full shade. The next factor is the influence of the temperature regime, it is reflected in heat transfer and heat generation, and, accordingly, the intensity of the work of internal organs.
The person feels normal at 19-20°C in clothes and at 28-31°C– without it, then there will be a balance between heat generation and output, and, as a consequence, normal activity of the human body.
Mountain ranges and ranges in the Russian Federation create a mountain climate, where air purity is the best, absolute humidity, increased solar radiation and low pressure. The latter indicator is not suitable for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases and problems with intracranial pressure.
Another important factor that creates a favorable climate is evaporation, i.e. a moderate amount of precipitation, which softens the air and prevents drought. In this case, the body can sweat moderately without feeling stuffy. The statistical analyzes carried out revealed the most comfortable climatic comfort zone - 20-25°C, depending on the winds and moisture of each region.
Based on these results, we can say that the most favorable climate in Russia is the Azov, Black Sea, Caspian coasts, the west of the European part of Russia, where day-to-day temperature fluctuations do not exceed 1-3°C, atmospheric pressure does not “jump”, mountains protect from strong winds, warm air masses from the sea predominate, the sun shines at least 300 days a year.
The central zone of Russia with a temperate continental climate, the mountains and south of Siberia, the North Caucasus, and the southern part of the Urals are considered slightly less, but still favorable.
If you decide to move or go on vacation, then be prepared for acclimatization, especially if you are from the northern part of Russia and decide to visit the subtropical Black Sea coast of Russia. Perhaps for the first time you should choose a resort closer to Central Russia with temperate continental climatic conditions, which will protect the body from sudden changes in conditions.
Watch a video about the climate zones of Eurasia: