Dr. Ashot Grigoryan, a specialist in cardiac and vascular surgery, advises anyone suffering from cardiovascular diseases to pay attention to their health, especially in hot weather. In an interview with the "Izvestia" newspaper, he stated: "Everyone with cardiovascular diseases must adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by their treating physician. Regardless of heart diseases, all patients without exception should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and promptly replenish lost water and mineral elements."
The doctor points out that everyone should undergo regular check-ups and have an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, as these allow for the timely detection of issues in patients experiencing heart problems for the first time and changes in those who have already been diagnosed with heart conditions. According to him, patients suffering from high blood pressure must adhere to their antihypertensive medication regimen. He clarifies: "Why is it important to remember this? Because these medications have a cumulative effect. Stopping their intake decreases their concentration in the blood, which can cause crises with varying consequences. Patients should remember, in hot weather with excessive fluid intake, the necessity to continue taking their medications, including those that lower blood pressure, as well as maintaining a healthy low-salt diet."
As for those suffering from coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, they should take cholesterol-lowering medications and follow a diet rich in vegetable oils while reducing animal fats. According to him, the issue of atherosclerosis remains, therefore patients should continue taking cholesterol-lowering medications (statins). It is also necessary to use blood-thinning medications (to reduce blood density) to make blood flow more easily through narrow areas of the arteries, preventing blood clots. He notes that the effect of these medications is linked to their stable concentration in the blood.
