· 📍 India
Hospitals across India are reporting a spike in heart and stroke emergencies as the summer 2026 heatwave continues. Dehydration thickens the blood, reduces circulating volume, and increases the risk of clot formation in already vulnerable arteries.
The numbers
Long-term exposure to extreme heat is associated with an 18% increase in stroke risk in those over 45, rising to nearly 40% in people with diabetes or hypertension. In Gujarat, where summer temperatures frequently cross 42°C, cardiac patients are particularly exposed.
Why it matters for you
Hydrate steadily through the day. Avoid the midday sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Never stop your heart or BP medication in summer without medical advice — some doses may need adjustment, not discontinuation. If you feel sudden weakness, slurred speech, chest pain, or fainting in the heat, call a hospital immediately.