A 73-year-old man yesterday drowned at a public hot spring pool at the Taian Police Light Villa in Miaoli County, police said.
At 1:30pm yesterday, the man was discovered unconscious in the water by bathers, who immediately called for help, the Dahu Police Precinct said.
Firefighters and paramedics rushed the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead following emergency treatment, it said.
Photo courtesy of the police
The man had visited the resort earlier in the day with his wife and son, police said, adding that it is unclear how he drowned.
An autopsy was scheduled to be conducted today to determine the cause of death, police said, adding that they have not ruled out underlying health factors.
The villa, in Taian Hot Spring, is a popular destination for police officers. While the resort primarily serves police personnel, its public pool is open to the public.
Sudden temperature changes between hot and cold environments could place additional strain on the cardiovascular system, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital cardiologist Li Chia-cheng (李家誠) said.
Blood vessels play a crucial role in regulating body temperature and maintaining circulation, he said.
While healthy people can usually adapt to temperature changes, those in high-risk groups often have damaged or weakened blood vessels, he said.
People with high blood pressure or a history of myocardial infarction are more vulnerable to cardiovascular problems if they soak improperly, he added
Bathers are advised to enter the pool gradually, keep water levels low, be aware of water temperatures, take regular breaks for rest and hydration, and limit the duration of each soak to prevent overexposure, Li said.
Entering a high-temperature pool too quickly could cause rapid vasodilation, while repeatedly alternating between hot and cold pools could lead to sharp fluctuations in blood pressure, he said.
Bathing on an empty stomach, immediately after eating or after drinking alcohol could also increase risks, as unstable blood sugar levels and redistributed blood flow might temporarily reduce blood supply to the brain and heart, Li said.
Symptoms of unstable blood pressure could include dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath, he said, adding that persistent discomfort could signal an impending heart attack or stroke.
People should ensure their blood pressure is stable before visiting hot springs, be alert to symptoms such as chest discomfort or palpitations, and carry their regular medications and inform companions where it is kept, Li said.
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