Effect of Heat and Humidity

[MichaelJH]

According to my Blood Oxygen Monitor my pulse goes up and my oxygen levels go down during this weather which suggests the heart is working harder.

My usual BPM.O2 is 55/99% but in the heat goes to about 63/95%!

Anybody else notice this?

[Heythrop51]

Interesting MichaelJH I will ask about them next time I am in my local pharmacy.

[Lezzers]

Yes, sort of!! My husband's HR has been increasing by up to 20 beats during the hot weather, but his sp02 has fluctuated between 99-95. I've not really taken on board if the reduced oxygen level coincides with the higher HR but will now monitor that.

[devonian186]

Weather plays a huge part for heart patients. High humidity is a concern, not only outside but in the house and especially where you sleep.

Low cloud, mist, high or low temperatures, wind etc the weather will affect you in different ways.

Worth getting a little hygrometer and check out the Relative Humidity in your house. Comfort levels are between 40 to 60%.

As we live right next to the coast that is rarely achieved

[devonian186 in reply to devonian186]

I did quite a bit of research on humidity last year it is really a very important health factor.

I have put together a couple of links that you might find interesting. Breathlessness is one of the likely side effects of high humidity levels.

Good article pettyson.co.uk/about-us/our...

Optimal indoor summer humidity levels: 40-60%

Optimal indoor winter humidity levels: 30-50%

The greatest risks are when the temperature is above 70 degrees and the humidity is more than 70%. The higher the humidity, the more moisture in the air. Some people are at higher risk of being affected by humidity, including those who are over age 50, overweight, or have heart, lung or kidney conditions.

scientific examination

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

very good graph showing various conditions like respiratory illnesses and optimum humidity

[DWizza in reply to devonian186]

Thanks for sharing this . I felt under par yesterday , walking along a path above a beach in Kent , said to my wife “ I’m struggling , can’t understand it “ she was walking along no problem .. might explain why I was struggling .. Nstemi , quadruple CABG last July , hottest day of the year and humid … terrible nights sleep in our sweltering bedroom too 🤦🏼

Too many hygrometers to chose , is there a model/make that you have used long enough to recommend?

[devonian186 in reply to DWizza]

Most of the cheaper ones-which is all you need- are made in China. The one I use the most came from Germany, but is also Chinese.

It is identical to the one I have linked to, which I see is from the US but they ship to England

aimilar.com/product_view.as...

It provides an actual "Comfort" level bar and also gives 24hr max and min readings. It comes in a little box so I generally take it away with me out of scientific interest.

At the moment it is a cooler day here and at 22.1 C and 62% it is reading at the very top end of "Comfort".

[devonian186 in reply to devonian186]

By the way the "very good graph" refers to this link. Some medical concerns are more affected by humidity than others

bing.com/images/search?view...

[DWizza in reply to devonian186]

Thank you , was looking at that one , now ordered 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[citygirl65]

Ive noticed I don't like the heat now I've moved back to south east too hot 🔥 from south west...not sure if this helps I've asthma mild too...maybe more traffic etc doesn't help either..

[devonian186 in reply to citygirl65]

Citygirl

You might be interested in this pollution index.

accuweather.com/en/gb/torqu...

You obviously need to change it to your specific town. Generally in the South West the air quality is excellent. In the South East large areas of Fair to poor air quality.

Also worth checking out pollen levels -This again set for my area.

avogel.co.uk/health/hayfeve...

[citygirl65 in reply to devonian186]

Thank you

[EMBoy]

In warm weather, air expands, so a given volume will contain fewer oxygen molecules than at a lower temperature. Hence we are breathing in less oxygen and our heart rate and breathing rate increase to compensate.

[Happyrosie]

there was an article in the paper (or might have been saga magazine or a press release by Age Concern) saying that hot weather can be problematic for the over 65’s and especially those with cardiovascular issues.