HTaPFrance
HTaPFrance has just issued its indications on how to cope with warm weather when you have pulmonary hypertension. It recommends great caution as heat and sun can be dangerous.
- Heat always causes fatigue. It can lead to severe and even fatal accidents, such as dehydration or heatstroke.
- Air pollution and humidity worsen the effects of heat. These risks can occur as early as the first days of heat. Simple actions can prevent accidents. It is important to prepare BEFORE the first signs of bodily distress, even if these signs seem insignificant.
- Make sure to drink enough water, especially if you are taking diuretics.
- Protect yourself from the sun: use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50, particularly if you are undergoing intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral prostacycline treatment.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: open the doors of your car several minutes before getting in if it has been parked in the sun.
Read more on the HTaPFrance website at this link
PHA
The PHA offers supplementary recommendations for effectively managing pulmonary hypertension medication in warm weather conditions.
- Do not leave medications such as Flolan® (epoprostenol), Remodulin® (treprostinil) or Ventavis® (iloprost) in the car – heat will break down these medications.
- Epoprostenol users should keep plenty of ice packs on hand.
- You’ll need to change your dressings more often if you tend to sweat. Keep your catheter site and dressing clean and dry.
- Diuretics can affect your fluid balance and may accelerate dehydration in the heat. Contact your PH specialist if you have been sweating excessively, have had excessive weight loss or are experiencing low blood pressure and/or new or worsening lightheadedness or dizziness.
Read more at this link on the PHA website
