Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
Doctors warn voters in Brazil to watch for heart emergency signs
Ahead of Brazil’s 2026 election runoff, doctors warned that heat, anxiety and long lines can be risky for people with heart conditions.
At least four people died after falling ill during the first round, including a 62-year-old man who suffered cardiac arrest on his way to vote in Rio de Janeiro.
Sudden shortness of breath, severe dizziness, cold sweats or feeling close to fainting can signal an emergency, especially for older people and those with heart risk factors.
A heart attack and cardiac arrest are different: an attack involves a blocked artery, while cardiac arrest means the heart stops beating and the person may collapse and stop breathing.
If someone shows these signs, call Brazil’s emergency service at 192; chest compressions should begin while help is on the way, and anyone can give them.
Voters with heart disease should take their medicines as usual, drink water, eat lightly before leaving home and avoid the hottest hours when possible.
Doctors in Brazil are warning voters to recognize signs of cardiovascular emergencies during the 2026 election runoff.
Heat, anxiety and long queues may increase the risk of sudden illness, especially for older people and those with health risk factors.
At least four people died after becoming ill during the first round of voting.
A cardiologist says sudden shortness of breath, severe dizziness, cold sweat and feeling faint require immediate action.
The advice includes calling Brazil’s emergency medical service, Samu, at 192 and starting chest compressions while help is on the way.
- Who
- Cardiologists are warning voters, with particular concern for older people and those with cardiovascular risk factors.
- What
- Doctors advise people to recognize emergency signs and seek help quickly during voting.
- When
- Ahead of the second round of Brazil’s 2026 election, scheduled for Sunday, October 25.
- Where
- Brazil, including polling places and other crowded locations.
- Why
- Anxiety, heat and long queues may contribute to sudden illness, and prompt action can make a difference before help arrives.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
At least four people died after becoming ill during voting, including a 62-year-old man who suffered cardiac arrest while going to his polling place in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
CNN Brasil published advice from cardiologists ahead of the second round.
Brazil’s election second round is scheduled to take place.
- Emergency number
- Samu can be reached at 192.
- Reported deaths
- At least four people died after becoming ill during the first round.
- Example case
- A 62-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
- Warning signs
- Sudden shortness of breath, severe dizziness, cold sweat and feeling faint.
- Voting date
- Second round scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026.
What people are saying
Many people confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest, but they are different conditions.
The person doing the compressions does not need health training. There is no need to be afraid of making a mistake, because the biggest mistake is doing nothing.