On September 22, coinciding with the autumn equinox, health experts raised alarms about the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with dropping temperatures. During a press conference held by the National Health Commission, Professor Ji Xunming, an esteemed academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief physician at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, provided insights into this concerning trend.
“As temperatures decline, cold air can trigger vasoconstriction, which in turn leads to higher blood pressure,” Ji explained. “Moreover, as dry conditions set in and hydration levels drop, the likelihood of cardiovascular issues rises.”
He elaborated that cooler weather can also disrupt daily habits. People tend to crave high-calorie foods, may smoke indoors more, and often drink excessively, while physical activity tends to wane. “These shifts can all contribute to increased blood lipid levels,” Ji noted.
Among the common cardiovascular ailments are cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. Ji advised individuals with a history of hypertension, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, or prior heart and brain incidents to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels. “Significant fluctuations should prompt a reconsideration of medications. If these fluctuations persist after one to two days of adjustments, seeking medical advice is essential.”
For those over 45 who experience symptoms like dizziness or chest discomfort, Ji emphasized the importance of vigilance with their health, regardless of past normal readings. “Any notable changes in their health readings should be treated as urgent,” he cautioned.
He also stressed the critical nature of timely stroke interventions, explaining that strokes, whether hemorrhagic or ischemic, are acute manifestations of chronic vascular diseases. “Time is of the essence for successful treatment. There’s a crucial four-and-a-half-hour window for effective intervention. Patients need to get to a hospital where stroke care is available within this period. Once there, a CT scan will help determine if the issue is a hemorrhage or an ischemic event. If it’s ischemic, thrombolytic therapy, recognized globally as the most effective treatment, should be initiated without delay.”
Ji shared a memorable way to recognize stroke symptoms, referred to as “Stroke 120.” “The ‘1’ symbolizes facial asymmetry; if one side of the face droops, immediate hospital admission is necessary. The ‘2’ pertains to the arms and legs; weakness or drooping on one side is a sign of serious concern. Finally, ‘0’ relates to speech; if the patient cannot understand what others are saying, time is critical.”
He emphasized, “If you notice any warning signs in a family member, it’s always better to be cautious. Call 120 right away to facilitate emergency care. Quick treatment with thrombolytics can mean that around 35% of ischemic stroke patients may be free of disabilities, and 60% to 70% could experience less severe symptoms.”
While waiting for an ambulance, Ji highlighted common mistakes to avoid: “First, don’t move the patient suddenly if they’ve collapsed; this can worsen their condition. Second, do not yell, as this could heighten their anxiety and blood pressure. Third, don’t give any medications, especially if the patient has underlying health issues, as this can complicate their situation. Lastly, avoid giving sugary drinks, as they may induce vomiting and complicate treatment.”
Instead, he recommended best practices: “Have the patient lie down and remain calm. If they’re not fully conscious, gently turn their head to the side to avoid aspiration. Ensure their airway is clear, and stay in contact with them for comfort. If a blood pressure monitor is available, checking their readings can provide valuable information for emergency responders.”
As autumn approaches, Ji noted that the change in daylight can influence mood, potentially increasing cardiovascular issues. Dr. Gong Yanbing, a chief physician at Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, explained that the body’s biological clock often struggles to adapt to shorter days, leading to physiological and emotional disruptions. The often gloomy fall scenery can also give rise to feelings of sadness, commonly referred to as “autumn blues.”
This emotional shift is particularly notable in women and older adults. For those experiencing prolonged stress, Gong recommended abdominal breathing techniques to help relieve tension. She described the method: “Breathe deeply, allowing your abdomen to expand while keeping your chest still. As you exhale, contract your abdomen fully while your chest remains stationary. Repeat this in a rhythmic manner.”
Additionally, she introduced an acupoint called Shenmen, or “Spirit Gate,” located on the wrist crease next to the little finger, which is thought to be calming. “You’ll find a tendon on this side of the wrist; the depression next to it is the Shenmen point. Massage this area with your opposite thumb for 2-3 minutes on each side, ideally 2-3 times daily.”
With cooler weather often leading to increased appetite, Gong advised caution in the age-old tradition of “fattening up for winter.” “Any dietary changes should take seasonal characteristics and personal health conditions into account to avoid overindulgence.”
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the need for moisture, particularly as autumn’s dry air can impact lung health, potentially causing symptoms like sore throats and dry skin. To counteract these effects, Gong recommended eating foods that nourish and hydrate, particularly those supportive of lung health and white in color, such as lotus root, yam, lily, tremella, white radish, and pears. She even shared a nourishing recipe: pear and snow fungus soup, using seasonal ingredients to support lung function and overall wellness.
As temperatures continue to drop, it’s vital to keep warm when going outside and to maintain a balanced diet rich in variety. Ji suggested a reasonable dietary guideline: “Keep meat portions to about the size of one fist per day, manage your staple food intake, and aim for three fists of fruit and four fists of vegetables.”
In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of regular, moderate exercise. Gentle activities like walking or tai chi can be beneficial, particularly on colder days when outdoor exercise may be difficult.
