When the rain pours, the risks multiply: How HMPV and floods are a double blow to heart patients
For heart patients, the combination of displacement, stress, and viral infections like HMPV is especially dangerous.
DANIAL HAKIM
Malaysia's monsoon season, spanning from May to October, generally brings about frequent and intense rainfall, particularly affecting regions like Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, and Putrajaya.
These downpours have increasingly led to severe flooding, resulting in the displacement of thousands and disrupting access to essential healthcare services. The environmental challenges posed not only hinder medical treatment but also exacerbate health vulnerabilities, especially for heart patients.
"Prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions during floods can worsen viral symptoms and strain heart function. Cold temperatures raise blood pressure and increase the heart’s workload, while dampness aggravates respiratory issues. Combined with poor sleep and lowered immunity, these factors can lead to more severe health outcome," Dr Sridhar said, emphasising the heightened risks of contracting infections such as HMPV during floods.
"Prolonged exposure to cold, damp environments, common during floods, worsens viral symptoms and impacts heart function, as cold raises blood pressure and heart workload, dampness aggravates respiratory symptoms, and poor sleep and low immunity contribute to poorer outcomes," he added.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory illnesses. In 2024, Malaysia reported 327 HMPV cases, marking a 45 per cent increase from the previous year of 2023.
Alternatively, Dr Sridhar further highlights the implications of HMPV for patients with pre-existing heart conditions where environmental factors increase the likelihood of contraction and infection.
"Viral infections like HMPV trigger complications in patients with existing heart conditions by increasing cardiac workload due to oxygen deficit, triggering inflammation that exacerbates heart conditions, and potentially precipitating arrhythmias or angina."
Timely medical intervention is thus crucial for managing heart-related complications especially during periods of time where healthcare is scarce and potentially unavailable, particularly during environmental disasters.
"Delaying treatment for heart-related complications can lead to a greater risk of heart failure or stroke.
“It can also result in sudden cardiac events, increase the likelihood of ICU admission, and worsen long-term outcomes." he warned.
Flood-induced displacement often leads to interruptions in medication adherence and regular medical check-ups, increasing the likelihood of adverse cardiac events.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advised individuals with respiratory infection symptoms to rest at home, avoid going to work or school while sick, wear a mask when in contact with family members, and keep rooms well ventilated.
To mitigate risks, Dr Sridhar recommended that patients keep up to date with their medication plans and prioritise healthier habits.
"Heart patients should commit to regular follow-ups and strict medication adherence, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle alongside effective stress management, ensure they are vaccinated against flu, pneumonia, and Covid-19, and have a personal emergency care plan in place."
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential components of maintaining heart health. These measures not only improve overall well-being but also enhance the body's ability to combat infections.
The intersection of environmental challenges, such as flooding, with health risks like HMPV infections necessitates a comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable populations, particularly those with heart conditions and as such, proactive measures, including hygiene practices, vaccination, and maintaining heart health, are essential components of this strategy.
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