Are people with recent mechanical valve and aorta replacement, considered vulnerable during heat waves?

[Pefki]

Currently in Europe where there is an ongoing heatwave. Surgery just under 3 months ago. I can't see mechanical valve on the list for vulnerable groups during heatwaves. Just checking to see if I am correct in assuming that I should be as careful and sensible as every other person who has not had major heart surgery recently. I take warfarin but no other medication.

[Captain_Birdseye]

I really feel for everyone going through the heatwave just now, it must be awful.

As a recent cardiac patient, it would be best to try to keep cool where possible... the heart works harder in the heat at the best of times. I'm unsure if there are any special precautions you need to take for your condition, but perhaps you could give the BHF nurses a call tomorrow morning to ask?

[Still_Breathing]

Your only on warfarin after a valve replacement?

[Bookworm60 in reply to Still_Breathing]

I'm sure Pefki will be along to answer for themselves, but I had a tissue Aortic Valve replacement and I'm only on aspirin so I wondered why you were asking ?

[Still_Breathing in reply to Bookworm60]

I'm on 6 different meds for heart . Mechanical valve and AF.

Asprin

Digoxin

Bisoporol

Ramapril

Warfarin

Atorvastatin

[Pefki in reply to Still_Breathing]

Only 26, had surgery as new born for this congenital issue, now the replacement the months ago. I was on some heart medication until I was 12 months old, then nothing until warfarin now.

[Mitchum in reply to Still_Breathing]

I only take Warfarin and statins for my mechanical mitral valve. I also take Levohyroxine for Hypothyroidism. Aspirin and warfarin together is a more risky cocktail due to potential bleeding issues.

[devonian186]

Here in the south of England during our last heat wave I recorded 25C in the shade (where readings should be taken) Out in the strong sun it was often 20c warmer. So presumably during the Mediterranean heat wave 40C will translate to 60C in the sun.

So the lesson is that anyone will be affected by the shade temperature let alone the heat in the strong sun and those doing their tourist bit visiting the acropolis or lying on the beach are being very foolish. Keep in the shade, drink lots of water and avoid the heat.

[Jetcat in reply to devonian186]

we were in almeria 2weeks ago and it was really hot then so goodness knows how hot it is now.?🔥 we spent most of time in the sea just paddling about keeping cool.👍

[Art-99]

we live in Cyprus so really struggling with this heatwave. I had a mitral valve replaced nearly three years ago and haven’t been advised to take any special precautions other than being sensible, keeping well hydrated and staying indoors when possible. I also have severe arrhythmia, which is why I have been prescribed warfarin (to prevent strokes) however (touch wood) it barely affects me.

[Jetcat]

just take the usual precautions with really hot weather I’d say.? You could always contact your GP for advice too.