Research into heat-related chest pains a timely reminder this summer

February 20, 2024 | in News

With high temperatures expected in the coming days, Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics are urging Victorians to stay cool to avoid heat-related chest pains, and other related illnesses.

A recent study supported by AV found an increased risk of chest pain presentations with heat exposure, especially among younger patients and patients of lower socioeconomic status.

There is an increased risk of chest pain at temperatures above 26.4 degree Celsius.

Researchers from AV, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Baker Institute assessed the impact of high and low temperatures on chest pain presentations and published the research under Temperature-related chest pain presentations and future projections with climate change.

AV Director Research and Evaluation Ziad Nehme said acute chest pain accounts for around one in 10 calls for an ambulance.

“We saw an increased risk of chest pain presentations for temperatures above 26.4 degrees Celsius,” he said.

“We also saw that the relationship between temperature and chest pain presentations varies significantly by age, sex, socioeconomic status and location.

“We know that young patients between 18 and 49 years old, and patients of lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk for heat-related chest pain presentations.”

The study was based on more than 206,000 adult patients attended by AV for acute non-traumatic chest pain within 100km of Melbourne between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2019.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as confusion, seizures, collapsing or loss of consciousness, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

AV Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said summer heat can be a major health risk and it can affect anybody, so paramedics are urging Victorians to stay sun smart.

“We’re reminding Victorians to not become complacent and to do what they can to keep cool and out of the heat, when possible,” he said.

“Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day if you can.

“Keep cool by staying indoors, reducing outdoor exercise, and using air conditioning and fans whenever possible.

“We don’t want to see people fall victim to these heat-related trends, so please take care of yourself and your loved ones this summer.”

Remember, Triple Zero (000) is for emergencies and if you are feeling unwell, you can contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, visit a Priority Primary Care Centre, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor or local pharmacist.

For more information visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/heat-health.

How to beat the heat and stay safe this summer:

Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Supervise children and keep an eye on friends around bodies of water.
Keep cool by using air conditioning and fans whenever possible.
Wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid being outside during the hottest time of day.
Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat stroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases but is entirely preventable.
Those most at risk are elderly people, young children and those with medical conditions.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as confusion, seizures, collapsing or loss of consciousness, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.