Summer is a great time for picnics, gardening, hiking, and water sports. However, the high temperatures associated with the summer months can often put additional stress on your heart. If you have heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you may be at increased risk for heat stress and heat-related injuries. While, summer heat and heart disease may not sound like the ideal pairing, there are several things that you can do to protect yourself this summer.
Why You’re At Increased Risk
Healthy individuals can typically adapt to elevations in temperature, such as those that we experience in July and August. However, many clinical reports demonstrate that heat tolerance can be impaired in patients with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Very high heat can enlarge blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and increase heart rate. These changes increase the heart’s overall workload, placing stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Normal physiological responses to increased temperatures, such as increasing blood flow to the skin to allow for heat dissipation, are often diminished in people with heart disease and associated heart failure. This places them at greater risk for heat intolerance, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
In addition to the physical limitations of heart disease itself, there are many medications prescribed to treat cardiovascular conditions that can compound the adverse effects of extreme heat on the body.
- ACE-Inhibitors (lisinopril, benazepril, ramipril, enalapril, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, propranolol, etc.)
- Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, felodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, etc.)
- Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, spironolactone, etc.)
These commonly used medications are vital in treating cardiovascular disease but can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
It’s always important to listen and pay attention to your body and how you’re feeling, especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. If you’re out in the heat this summer, here are some signs and symptoms that you should watch for:
Heat exhaustion
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately stop what you’re doing and move to somewhere cooler. Use wet clothes, cool compresses, fans, etc., to help cool down as able, and notify your medical provider.
Heat stroke
- Fever
- Confusion
- Unusual or irrational behavior
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Dry, hot skin
- And possibly seizure or unconsciousness
It’s important to realize that heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know begins to exhibit these symptoms, you should call 911 or otherwise seek immediate medical attention.
Prevention and Protection
Having heart disease or risk factors doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy everything that summer has to offer. There are several things you can do to protect yourself if you’re going to be outside.
- Stay well hydrated. Thirst can be the first sign of dehydration. Water is always the best choice.
- Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which have a diuretic effect and lead to dehydration.
- Wear the proper clothing. Lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics can help keep you cool on hot, sunny days.
- Add a hat and sunglasses for added protection.
- Rest frequently. It’s essential to listen to your body and rest in a cool, shady area when needed.
To find more ways to protect your heart during the summer, visit 5 ways to keep your heart safe in extreme heat | American Heart Association.
In addition to the above, there are several things that you can do to lower your risk of heart-related events all year round, including:
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods, lean protein like chicken, fish, and turkey, “good” fats like olive oil and nuts, and limiting sugar and salt.
- Stop smoking!
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Get plenty of physical activity.
Summer heat and heart disease can go together hand-in-hand if you take the proper steps to protect yourself. During the summer, make sure to utilize the tips above or exercise indoors if needed. As always, make sure to see your primary health care provider if you have any questions or develop any new or worrisome symptoms.
If you’re looking for ways to stay active during the winter, check out It’s easy to stay active during the winter months – FNPWrite.com (fnp-write.com)
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