AMBULANCE Victoria paramedics are urging people to stay cool to avoid heat-related chest pains as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees on Thursday.
A recent study supported by AV found an increased risk of chest pain presentations with heat exposure, especially among younger patients and patients of lower socioeconomic status.
Researchers from AV, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Baker Institute assessed the impact of high and low temperatures on chest pain presentations.
The study was based on more than 206,000 adult patients attended by AV for acute non-traumatic chest pain within 100km of Melbourne between July 2015 and June 2019.
AV Director Research and Evaluation Ziad Nehme said acute chest pain accounted for around one in 10 ambulance call outs.
“We saw an increased risk of chest pain presentations for temperatures above 26.4 degrees,” he said.
“We also saw that the relationship between temperature and chest pain presentations varies significantly by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and location.
“We know that young patients between 18 and 49 years old, and patients of lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk for heat-related chest pain presentations.”
AV Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said summer heat can be a major health risk and it can affect anybody, and paramedics are urging Victorians to stay sun-smart.
“We’re reminding Victorians to not become complacent and to do what they can to keep cool and out of the heat, when possible,” he said.
“Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day if you can.
“Keep cool by staying indoors, reducing outdoor exercise, and using air conditioning and fans whenever possible.
“We don’t want to see people fall victim to these heat-related trends, so please take care of yourself and your loved ones this summer.”
For more information visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/heat-health
