Rains in Chennai: How extreme rainfall increases the risk of death from heart and respiratory diseases

Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh heavy rain alerts for at least five districts of Tamil Nadu, experts are worried about the rising cases of heart and respiratory problems among high-risk citizens. According to the meteorological service, for the next two to three days rain will hit the city along with isolated heavy rain.

According to the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, an orange alert has also been declared for many districts including Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Villupuram as well as Puducherry. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heavy rain.

Doctors say an increase in rainfall can increase the risk of death due to heart and lung conditions. Climate change, which makes short-term rainfall more extreme and frequent, is leading to an increase in infectious diseases, according to a new study. A new German study says the day of extreme rain, which could likely repeat itself over the next five years, is typically linked to an eight percent increase in deaths from any cause during the 14 days following the extreme weather event.

Such an event was also linked to a five per cent increase in cardiovascular deaths and a nearly 30 per cent increase in lung-related mortality in the fortnight after the rain.

Why is extreme rainfall harmful to heart and respiratory health?

According to doctors, extreme rainfall increases the risk of heart attacks in several ways, such as:

Medical treatment interrupted

Due to extreme rainfall, those suffering from heart-related problems may not be able to receive their follow-up medical treatments properly. According to experts, they may also face problems due to non-availability of life-saving medicines.

Airborne diseases

Rain causes high humidity and in a climate like Chennai, there is a higher chance of airborne pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, which lead to underlying health problems, especially if you are already suffering from respiratory diseases.

Increased stress

Incessant rains can cause mental stress in those with underlying medical problems, such as heart problems, and aggravate their condition.

Increase in infections

There is always an increase in infections during monsoons, which affects those with co-morbidities more and causes heart failure in those who have had heart problems.

What are the other weather conditions that lead to heart problems?

According to experts, some other extreme weather conditions that are harmful to those with heart problems include:

cold weather

Cold weather causes blood to thicken and become stickier, increasing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures increase the risk of heart disease, especially for older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income communities, experts say.

Perspiration

Sweating causes a loss of volume, which increases the heart rate.

Ways to protect your heart?

Some ways to protect your heart health during the rainy season include:

Eat a balanced diet

Make sure you eat foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins like legumes, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Limit salt intake and avoid processed foods.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water at room temperature to reduce the risk of cold-induced cardiac stress.

Exercise

Stay active with indoor activities like yoga or Pilates.

Get enough sleep

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to reduce your risk of heart disease.