Summer may feel like a carefree time of year. While it’s wonderful to embrace the pleasures of the season, it’s also important to understand how hot weather can stress your heart. Taking precautions can help keep you safe and well.
“Extreme heat increases health risks for people with chronic conditions, including heart disease,” says Dr. Ameer Kabour, a Cardiologist and Senior Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services for ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care.
Increasing Problem
2023 was the hottest year on record, according to climate.gov. In addition, the 10 most recent years were the warmest on record.
Higher temperatures in turn lead to other problems that worsen health risks. Wildfires are a prime example. The resulting smoke and poor air quality affect not just people with breathing problems but also individuals with heart disease.
“Several studies following wildfires in California in recent years linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for cardiovascular disease-related causes,” the American Heart Association (AHA) reported.
Heat’s Heart Toll
The temperature danger zone kicks in around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the AHA. However, even temperatures in the 80s with high humidity can lead to an increased risk of heart problems.
“Heat and dehydration cause the heart to work harder, trying to cool itself by shifting blood from major organs to underneath the skin,” the AHA states. “This shift causes the heart to pump more blood, putting it under significantly more stress.”
Extreme heat also can lead to blood clots and electrolyte imbalances that can contribute to cardiovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These factors may worsen heart failure and lead to acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, arrythmias, and stroke.
Heat Illness Symptoms
Anyone can experience heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two common types. People with heat exhaustion should take steps to cool down and watch for worsening symptoms. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, or clammy skin
- Rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Weakness or tiredness
- Headache
Those experiencing symptoms should move to a cooler place and apply cool compresses. Seek medical care for symptoms that don’t improve.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when a person’s core temperature exceeds 104 degrees F, producing more heat than the body can release. Symptoms can include:
- Flushed, hot and dry skin without sweating
- Rapid pulse and breathing
- Throbbing headache
- Upset stomach, with nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Dizziness, confusion, irritability, or loss of consciousness
If you suspect heatstroke, call 911. While you wait, move yourself or the affected person to a cooler place. Use cool cloths or ice packs to try to bring down body temperature. A cool bath also can help. Don’t give someone suffering heatstroke anything to drink, as they can’t safely consume anything while their consciousness is affected.
Who’s at Risk
Certain groups are at more vulnerable to heat-related illness. In addition to people with heart disease, those at high risk include children under the age of 5, pregnant people, adults 65 and older, and individuals with other chronic health conditions such as diabetes or mental health conditions.
Some medications increase the risk of heat-related illness, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These include beta-blockers, diuretic medicines (sometimes called water pills), antihistamines (including many allergy medicines), and many antipsychotic medicines used to treat psychiatric and neurologic illnesses.
Safety Precautions
“Heat-related illness is preventable through taking the proper precautions,” Dr. Kabour says. “People in high-risk groups should be especially mindful.”
Follow these steps:
- Stay hydrated. Talk to your doctor about guidelines for staying hydrated if you have heart disease. Some people with certain cardiovascular conditions are sensitive to fluid intake.
- Exercise safely. Exercise is important for people with heart disease, but make sure to play it safe. Move your workout to a cool indoor environment. Alternatively, exercise outdoors early in the morning or later in the day, when it’s likely to be cooler.
- Dress smart. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Protect yourself from sunburn with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Keep taking medications. If you have concerns about how your heart medications will interact with heat, talk to your doctor.
Knowledge and awareness go a long way in keeping yourself and your heart safe during hot weather. Take care and enjoy the warm months.
