Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/CEyPIeppXU8   Ever more frequent heat waves promise deadly heart strain and an epidemic of heart failure.  These warnings come from a  Montreal Heart Institute review of the consequences of extreme heat events.   Even beyond heat stroke with its dangerously high body temperatures, confusion, nausea and vomiting, environmental temperatures in the 100’s put a dangerous strain on your heart.  In a futile attempt to cool the body by superpowering its sweat glands, the heart ramps up its pumping function to dangerously high levels.   Those with pre-existing medical problems, particularly cardiovascular disease, are at particular risk.  The heat-associated heart strain can readily trigger heart attacks and ultimate heart failure.   To prevent these heat-related consequences, Canadian provinces routinely warn the public 18-24 hours before heat events with suggestions about how to beat the heat.  To prevent heat-driven heart damage, we must all seek air conditioning or use fans, remain hy