Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Heat sensitivity

    Posted 01-26-2025 00:56
    I had CABG x4 7 months ago. We had a dive trip planned to Bali for January of 25. Doctors said we could go, we decided not to dive because of some health issues my wife was having. 

    I've always been ok with heat, don't enjoy hot and humid, but we've done a lot of travel to hot places and I've been ok.

    On this trip it was horrible. The temperature was like 87 with 87% humidity. I've been in New Orleans in August, and I was ok. But this trip I couldn't do the heat. As soon as I stepped outside I'd start dripping sweat, and then that pushes my blood pressure up because my body is trying to cool itself off. and it just goes from there. 

    I'm on Crestor, Metroprolol for the heart and Cymbalta for some depression I had post surgery.

    Has anyone experienced difficulties with heat like that post CABG? 

    Mike


  • 2.  RE: Heat sensitivity

    Posted 01-26-2025 19:43

    Hi Michael, 

    I was never much a fan of the heat since I was in my late 20s to around 30.  

    I had 1 OHS in January '23, and a 2nd one in July '23 with a single CABG.  I can't handle the heat or cold anymore. I feel sick if it's too hot and I can't keep myself cool. Once i get coiled off and drink fluids I feel better.  

    That's just me.

    Brian



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    Brian Keller
    Reading, Pennsylvania
    OHS, CABG,CHF,PACEMAKER Survior
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  • 3.  RE: Heat sensitivity

    Posted 01-27-2025 01:51

    I know everyone is different. I was a little stupid and as I was in the middle of the worst of it I took my blood pressure (that wasn't the stupid part although I thought so at the time), my wife asked what it was (here comes the stupid part) I said "a little high". After more words and… ya… I told her it was 165 over 95. She immediately was like take an aspirin, no, take 2. And then we got serious about cooling me down. Oh and my bp dropped 20 in 15 minutes. 

    But it was a great lesson, to have a bit of a plan, to have aspirin and water and to be cognizant of heat. Those were all things I learned on that trip. It was pretty intense, and scary and fun and amazing. Oh and I am doing meditation now!

    Anyway, thanks for the reply!

    Mike



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    Michael Leonard
    Medford OR
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Heat sensitivity

    Posted 01-27-2025 12:46
    Michael,

    I don't think it's the CABG that causes the heat sensitivity. It is the Metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that, among other things, reduces blood flow to the skin and thereby reduces your ability to cool yourself. I had CABGx5 seven years ago, am fully active lifting weights, engaging in calisthenics, walking and cycling, am very fit, yet am extremely sensitive to the summer heat and have to take care to limit my heat/sun exposure or risk passing out. I am currently 74 years old.

    Ira




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