New research from the University of Sydney and Montreal Heart Institute suggests that using a fan with skin wetting can reduce cardiac strain in older adults during hot and humid weather, contradicting previous CDC recommendations. The study found that fans are effective in reducing heat-induced cardiac strain in older people, especially those with heart disease.
The researchers exposed older participants to two environments: one hot and humid (38°C and 60% humidity) and the other very hot and dry (45°C and 15% humidity). They discovered that fan use with skin wetting reduced heat-induced cardiac strain in both conditions. However, in the very hot and dry condition, fan use actually increased cardiac strain by tripling it.
The researchers emphasize that air conditioning is not a viable option for everyone, particularly those most vulnerable to heat, such as the elderly and people with heart disease. They welcome the fact that low-cost alternatives like using fans are effective and provide crucial information on how weather conditions affect cooling strategies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-fan-skin-deadly-cardiac-strain.html