Super typhoon Mawar is expected to be the strongest tropical cyclone since 2021. The storm is expected to bring heavy showers to northern and eastern parts of Taiwan. In addition to the usual typhoon safety tips, doctors have added one to add to the list that many might not normally consider.
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Ahead of typhoon Mawar making a potential landfall in Taiwan, people are making preparations to brace for the storm.
In addition to the usual preparations, doctors are also recommending that people with cardiovascular diseases avoid consuming iced water or alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol or iced water can affect blood pressure, and so does the low atmospheric pressure caused by the storm. So doctors say that the rapid changes in blood pressure caused by the combination of these two factors could increase the chances of sudden deaths for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Taiwan Adventist Hospital cardiologist Lin Wei-wen (林謂文) also says people who are more sensitive to weather changes should be on the lookout for sudden temperature or humidity shifts as they can also affect bodily functions.
He says healthy individuals are generally able to tolerate weather changes without trouble but they should still remain cautious, especially if their bodies start to feel different and uncomfortable.