Your trusted source

The extreme heatwave has prompted a sharp rise in calls to the Armenian Ambulance Service in the recent period, with most of callouts received from people suffering from heart diseases.

The number of people with cardiovascular diseases seeking medical care have also rapidly grown as the heat intensifies across the country, with temperatures hitting 42 °C.

Speaking to Panorama.am, Director of the Armenian Ambulance CJSC Taguhi Stepanyan says that in the recent period the service has handled some 730 calls on a daily basis compared to 650-680 daily calls taken before the arrival of the recent heatwave.

In addition, the number of people hospitalized after callouts has increased by 25 percent from some 18-20 percent.

“We have had days when the hospitalization cases reached 30 percent, which is unprecedented. For example, some 772 callouts were received on 4 July, with 209 people take to hospital as a result. An average of 130-140 people are hospitalized daily,” she detailed.

The leading cause for ambulance callouts are cardiovascular diseases, followed by acute respiratory conditions and various types of viruses. Cases of hospitalization of patients with suspected intestinal infections have also grown in the recent period.

With ambulance crews working under pressure, the director urges people needing treatment for minor medical conditions, like headache, slight fever and others, to consider other healthcare options, such as visiting local polyclinics or seeking help from their family doctors.
Summer heat as a rule aggravates cardiovascular diseases, but this year the extremely hot weather in Armenia caused a rise in number of people suffering from heart attack or high blood that seek medical care, cardiologist Marine Ordyan told Panorama.am.

According to the doctor, heart diseases began aggravating in the country starting from 10 June this year, while the phenomenon was typical to mid-July and August in the past years. 

She calls on people with cardiovascular diseases to keep hydrated, but avoid drinking juice or soft drinks, to avoid direct sun expose from 11am to 5pm, covering up if they need to be outdoors during daytime.

The doctor also urges patients to reduce physical performance during hot weather.