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Heart and summer heat: prevent cardiovascular risks thanks to new imaging technologies

A preventive approach, a real pillar

Extreme heat periods are becoming more and more frequent under the effect of global global warming. Beyond well-known inconvenience, the heat wave episodes represent a real public health issue, especially for patients with cardiovascular pathologies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive heat is responsible for thousands of deaths each year, a significant proportion of which is attributable to cardiac and circulatory complications.

In Switzerland, recent scorching episodes have highlighted this increased vulnerability. The Swiss Cardiology League and the Federal Office for Public Health (OFSP) point out that intense heat periods are associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations for myocardial infarction, decompensated heart failure, rhythm disorders and cerebral vascular accidents. The climate projections of the IPCC provide an increased frequency of these heat waves in the coming decades, de facto increasing the weight of cardiovascular diseases linked to the climate.

The physiopathological mechanisms at play are multiple: dehydration, excessive vasodilation, drop in blood pressure, electrolytic imbalances and overactivation of the sympathetic system. All these factors can destabilize a weakened heart, whether coronary, insufficient or hypertensive. Faced with this emerging problem, cardiac imaging technologies today offer essential tools to better anticipate and prevent these complications during summer periods.

diagnostic imaging center (CID Lausanne), precision cardiac imagery, associated with new predictive approaches based on artificial intelligence, makes it possible to finely assess patients at risk before the appearance of clinical complications. This preventive approach becomes a real pillar of modern cardiovascular medicine, especially in the face of current climatic challenges.

Cardiovascular pathologies aggravated by heat?

Acute myocardial infarction

Dehydration and blood hyperviscosity promote the formation of clots, increasing the risk of acute coronary events. Heat also strongly requests the heart by asking for an increased cardiac flow.

Decompensated heart failure

Peripheral vasodilation, combined with water losses, disrupts the hydrosoded balance and can quickly decompensate a patient already insufficient heart, causing edema, dyspnea and major fatigue.

Heart rhythm disturbances

The electrolytic imbalances induced by excessive sweating and dehydration can trigger or aggravate arrhythmias, especially in patients carrying heart disease or implanted devices (pacemaker, defibrillator).

Brain vascular accidents (stroke)

Although brain, this pathology is directly influenced by cardiovascular overload and dehydration that promote thrombosis and brain embolism during a heat wave.

Vasovagaux hypotension and discomfort

The drop in blood pressure by excessive vasodilation can cause lipothymia, loss of knowledge and falls, especially in the elderly, polymedic or chronic hypotens.
Identified risk groups include the elderly, patients with chronic heart disease (coronaropathy, heart failure, valvulopathy), diabetics, kidney failure, diuretic or hypotensive patients, as well as athletes exposed to prolonged efforts. The early identification of these risks, thanks to cardiac imagery and suitable functional assessments, makes it possible to implement targeted preventive measures before the arrival of heat periods.

Target audience and medical indications for summer cardiac imaging

Thus, prevention by targeted cardiac imagery is primarily addressed:

● Known coronary patients, having already presented infarction or angina, in which thermal stress can precipitate a new acute event.

● Patients ill -balanced hypertensive, in whom summer tension variations can cause hypotension, rhythm disorders or ischemic accidents.

● Insufficient people with chronic cardiacs, even stabilized, in which the cardiac imagery assessment makes it possible to anticipate possible decompensation by overloading.

● Diabetic subjects, whose cardiovascular risk is increased and often silent, making a summer coronary screening (score score score, coronary angioscanner) relevant.

● Patients treated with diuretics or beta -blockers, whose hydrosoded balance and hemodynamic response are weakened by heat.

● High -level athletes exposed to prolonged efforts in hot climate, where a heart balance can secure the resumption of summer activities.

Cardiac imagery finds its place in these prevention strategies: it makes it possible to document the overall cardiac function, the myocardial infusion, the calcium coronary load, the underlying rhythmic or structural anomalies. This precious information makes it possible to adapt early treatments and preventive measures before the arrival of heat waves.

Detailed epidemiological data

Epidemiological data confirm that the cardiovascular impact of heat is underestimated in many populations. According to the WHO and recent studies of Lancet Countdown on Climate Change and Health, heat waves are now responsible for tens of thousands of premature deaths each year in Europe, including a major part linked to heart and vascular diseases.

In Switzerland, reports from the Federal Statistical Office (FSA) show a clear seasonal increase in cardiovascular hospitalizations during scorching summers. During extreme heat episodes of 2003, 2015 or 2022, hospitalizations for infarction and heart failure increased by 10 to 20 % depending on the region. The Swiss Cardiology League estimates that around 15 to 20 % of summer mortality is directly attributable to cardiovascular complications.

The Swiss population has growing vulnerability factors: rapid demographic aging, high prevalence of hypertension (affecting almost 25 % of adults), expansion 2 -type diabetes (more than 500,000 patients), and increase in the number of coronary patients followed after angioplasty or cardiac surgery.

Internationally, large meta-analyzes confirm an increase in cardiovascular risk as soon as the ambient temperature exceeds 30 ° C, with a cumulative effect over several days of consecutive heat. Some studies (Kunst et al., 2021; Gasparrini et al., 2017) believe that an increase of 1 ° C of summer temperatures is accompanied by an increase of 2 to 4 % of cardiac hospitalizations.

These robust epidemiological data reinforce the need for active preventive screening strategies, especially in identified populations. Advanced cardiac imagery thus becomes a precious sorting tool in summer.

Artificial intelligence and preventive cardiovascular imaging

Automated detection of coronary calcifications

AI algorithms allow an ultra-precise quantification of coronary calcium, refining the evaluation of individual coronary risk.

Predictive analysis of cardiac volumes and functions

The AI measures with great reliability ventricular volumes, ejection fraction and segmental kinetics anomalies, key elements in the prevention of cardiac decompensations in the event of thermal stress.

Automated cardiovascular risk stratification

By integrating clinical, biological and imaging data, AI systems can produce personalized risk scores, orienting preventive measures before the arrival of heat waves.

Help to screen for silent arrhythmias

Certain automated holter analysis systems make it possible to detect early episodes of atrial fibrillation or rhythm disorders likely to decompensate under the effect of heat.

Longitudinal monitoring facilitated

AI software makes it possible to compare precisely the successive examinations of a patient and to detect subtle developments escaping the human eye.
At CID Lausanne, cardiac imaging equipment gradually integrates these advanced analysis tools, under rigorous medical supervision. Artificial intelligence does not replace the specialist but strengthens its capacity to anticipate, secure and personalize the management of patients most exposed to summer cardiovascular complications.

Patient course at CID Lausanne: concrete illustration

At the imaging and diagnostic center (CID Lausanne), each patient benefits from an individualized journey, adapted to their risk factors and its summer exposure. Let us illustrate by some concrete situations encountered in practice:

Case 1: Monsieur A., 68, hypertensive and old smoker

In anticipation of the scorching summer announced, his attending physician requests a preventive assessment from the CID. The cardiac scanner reveals a moderate calcium score (Agatston 180), without significant stenosis with a coronary scanner. Its antihypertensive treatment is suitable, water and thermal prevention instructions are given to it, with reinforced monitoring for the summer period.

Thanks to imaging, its risk was better quantified and secure before the critical period.

Case 2: Madame B., 74, insufficient heart stabilized under diuretic

Fearing a summer decompensation, his cardiologist prescribes an echocardiography of control at the CID. The left ventricular function remains preserved but light overload is detected. Its diuretic treatment is adjusted upstream of the planned heat wave.

Clinical follow -up is closely coordinated throughout the summer period.

Case 3: Madame D., 60, type 2 diabetics under control

A coronary screening is offered before summer heat. The calcium score is high (Agatston 320), motivating the preventive establishment of a statine and a platelet anti-aggregation under cardiological supervision.

Without this imaging examination, this silent coronary vulnerability would have remained ignored. These examples illustrate the central role of preventive cardiological imaging to anticipate summer risks, secure fragile patients and avoid the often predictable complications when the balance sheet is carried out upstream sufficiently.

Reference scientific studies

Many international studies support the link between summer heat and cardiovascular morbuity, and confirm the growing interest of preventive heart imaging in this context.

● Lancet Countdown on Climate Change and Health (2023) : This global report highlights a gradual and documented increase in cardiovascular mortality during recurring heat waves in Europe and worldwide, highlighting the urgency of preventive approaches adapted to new climatic conditions.

● European Heart Journal (2022, Cheng et al.) : European multicentric meta-analysis demonstrating that an average elevation of 1 ° C of the summer temperature is associated with an increase of 3 % of hospital admissions for myocardial infarction and heart failure.

● Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2020) : global analysis of environmental factors confirms that thermal stress becomes an emerging factor in the overall load of cardiovascular diseases, now exceeding certain conventional factors in certain temperate regions.

● French study Canicard (2019) : This national register has shown an increase of 15 to 20 % of hospitalizations for acute coronary syndrome during prolonged heat waves, even in known non -coronary patients, but bearers of silent risk factors.

● Swiss league for cardiology and OFSP (national data 2022) : in Switzerland, national data confirm the summer cardiovascular mortality with high representation of hypertensive, diabetic and cardiac insufficient patients. The role of early screening is highlighted in the updated national recommendations.

All of this data converges on an increasing medical necessity: anticipating seasonal cardiovascular complications by integrating modern tools for heart imaging and personalized monitoring strategies. The climate context now requires an active adaptation of medical practices in Switzerland and Europe.

Future perspectives and innovations

Preventive cardiovascular imaging evolves rapidly, carried by technological advances and the increasing pressure of climatic issues. Several axes of innovation should transform the care of patients exposed to summer cardiovascular risks in the coming years:

Development of ultra-bass Dose imaging

The new generations of photon-joint cardiac scanners will further reduce radiological exposure, making preventive assessments even safer for repeated surveillance.

Integration of multi -criteria predictive AI

Beyond pure imaging, AI systems will integrate environmental factors (temperature, humidity, pollution), genetic data, clinical history and biological markers to calculate an individualized cardiovascular risk in real time.

Connected remote monitoring in summer

Remote monitoring of patients at risk thanks to portable sensors (tension, heart rate, weight, hydration) will make it possible to detect early the first signs of decompensation and adjust treatments before the appearance of serious symptoms.

Multi-institutional collaborative platforms

The secure sharing of imaging and monitoring data between imaging centers, cardiologists, general practitioners and emergency services will allow optimal responsiveness during heat waves.

Continuing education of professionals

The rapid evolution of knowledge requires a continuous effort to train radiologists, cardiologists and Swiss general practitioners on new preventive practices in the face of climate change.
The Lausanne diagnostic imaging center is resolutely part of this innovation dynamic. By gradually integrating these advanced tools and by collaborating closely with partner cardiologists, the CID anticipates the needs of tomorrow and places cardiovascular prevention at the heart of its mission, in particular in a climate context which makes this approach more and more essential.

The differentiating assets of the Lausanne CID

The Lausanne diagnostic imaging center (CID) is distinguished by an innovative and rigorous preventive approach, perfectly suited to the specific challenges of Swiss patients in the face of summer cardiovascular risks:

● Latest generation technologies : Low dose heart scanners, high-end MRI and DE-SPC allow an exhaustive risk assessment before the arrival of scorching episodes.

● Progressive integration of artificial intelligence : IA -assisted analysis solutions improve the quantification of coronary calcifications and early detection of functional anomalies, while remaining under FMH Medical Supervision.

● Quick access and organizational flexibility : short meeting slots, priority circuits for fragile patients before the summer period and close coordination with referent cardiologists provide rapid and fluid management.

● Swiss multidisciplinary expertise : FMH radiologists specializing in cardiovascular imaging and cardiologists provide an expert interpretation and individualized therapeutic decision -making.

● Respect for Swiss quality standards (OFSP, FMH, LAMAL) : compliance with radiation protection requirements, transparency of medical indications and reimbursement within the framework of services recognized by LAMAL.

● Positioning in active prevention : CID Lausanne is not limited to a curative diagnosis but offers real preventive support for vulnerable cardiovascular patients in the face of climate change.

This strategic positioning allows the Lausanne CID to offer unique expertise in French -speaking Switzerland in the early security of patients exposed to increasing summer cardiovascular risks.

FAQ Patients & Professionals

Who should consider a preventive heart balance before summer?

Coronary patients, hypertensive, insufficient cardiacs, diabetics, diuretics or beta -blockers, as well as athletes exposed to high heat.

Does artificial intelligence replace the cardiologist?

No. The AI assists the analysis of the images and refines early detection, but the medical decision remains fully supervised and validated by experienced FMH specialists.

What is the best time to make this preventive assessment?

Ideally a few weeks before the arrival of the first summer hot weather, in order to adjust the treatments and anticipate individual risks.

Why heat

Does it increase cardiovascular risks?

 The extreme heat causes dehydration, vasodilation and an imbalance of electrolytes, soliciting the heart more, especially in already fragile patients.

Is preventive cardiac imagery reimbursed in Switzerland?

Yes, according to the justified medical indications and on prescription of the attending physician, in accordance with the standards of the LAMAL and the recommendations of the Swiss Cardiology and OFP League.