TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A cold front has swept through Taiwan, causing a rise in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases. Despite the sunny weather, a Cheng Hsin General Hospital (振興醫院) physician expressed concern on Tuesday (Jan. 14) that temperatures remain low, leading to an increase in emergency cardiovascular and stroke patients.
Dr. Tian Chih-hsueh (田知學) warned that sudden temperature changes pose significant health risks and could further increase the number of patients. Tian emphasized that while many anticipate warmer weather and sunshine, cardiovascular diseases and strokes frequently occur during seasonal transitions, particularly in autumn and winter, as well as in May and June.
Tian highlighted that these periods of temperature fluctuation can easily trigger such health issues. She advised caution for men over 45 and women over 50, especially those with high blood pressure, smoking habits, or a family history of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. She cautioned against the rapid temperature changes experienced during activities like hot springs or snow chasing, which could exacerbate these conditions.
Chen Ying-ju (陳盈如), director of the Emergency and Intensive Care Center at Taipei Veterans General Hospital (台北榮總急診加護中心), noted that winter sees a rise in heart attacks and strokes, with an unusual increase in younger patients this year. Lin Wei-wen (林謂文), director of the Cardiology Department at Taiwan Adventist Hospital (台安醫院心臟內科暨心導管室), confirmed that hypertension is increasingly affecting younger individuals, leading to strokes and heart attacks. Lin stressed the importance of health awareness across all ages to prevent sudden cardiac events.
