TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The latest cold wave in Taiwan has proven deadly, with a recent surge in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) nationwide.
Doctors urge the public to keep their head and neck warm and stay hydrated, as these are commonly overlooked cardiovascular risks during cold weather, per CNA.
According to the National Fire Agency, 415 people have died from non-traumatic OHCA between Feb. 1-8.
Dr. Jong Bor-hsin (鍾伯欣), an attending physician at Shin Kong Hospital's cardiology department, told CNA that the emergency room has seen a sharp increase in cases of acute cardiovascular disease and strokes.
During this cold spell, the youngest cardiovascular patient admitted to his hospital was 31 years old. On Saturday alone, Jong encountered two severe cases of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock.
One patient, a man in his 50s, and another in his 80s had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Both are now in intensive care, with one relying on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for life support.
Jong said the most common mistake people make in cold weather is failing to keep warm and not drinking enough water. He emphasized keeping the belly, neck, and head covered and advised people to dress warmly enough that they do not feel cold when stepping outside.
He also recommended drinking water regularly, even when not sweating, to prevent blood from thickening. Dehydration can cause an increased heart rate, placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
Younger individuals are also experiencing higher rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, increasing their risk of heart attacks in cold weather.
Dr. Wang De-sheng (王德生), who runs a local clinic, treated a man in his 40s with high cholesterol linked to excessive alcohol consumption. The patient regularly drank a bottle of whiskey a day and had an irregular sleep schedule, further worsening his condition in the cold.
Wang advised people with high cholesterol to be extra cautious in winter, opting for high-quality oils, reducing refined sugar and starch intake, and avoiding fried foods. He also recommended eating more vegetables to improve metabolism, getting regular exercise, and maintaining sufficient sleep to support heart health.
