Heat exposure can increase your risk of developing heart issues. Be alert to the signs that your heart is working too hard and take steps to cool down.
Heart Disease and Heat Exposure: A Dangerous Mix
For people affected by heart disease, particularly with congestive heart failure, rising summer temperatures can be potentially dangerous. The hotter the weather gets outside, the harder your body must work to cool down. Heat exposure can result in heat cramps, heat stress or even heat stroke. To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is a good idea to know when your body is becoming overheated, and your heart is working too hard so you can rest.
The Link Between Heat and Heart Problems
Although everybody is at risk of experiencing heat-related illness during the hottest months of the year, people with heart conditions experience it more than others because extreme temperatures strain the cardiovascular system. To help regulate your body temperature during heat exposure, your heart will circulate a larger amount of blood throughout your body than it typically does. While your heart is pumping faster than normal, it can become fatigued, resulting in an increased risk of heart attacks as well as other issues such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or heart failure.
Other factors can make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature and contribute to the risk of heat-related illness. These include:
- Consuming alcohol frequently
- Having poor circulation
- Not following a healthy diet
- Taking certain blood pressure medications
It is important to consider your individual risk factors, especially as the temperature rises, to ensure you won't overwork your heart.
Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses
About 25% of heat-related deaths can be linked to the heart working too hard in hot environments, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A study conducted in Kuwait has confirmed that deaths tend to occur when the outside temperature ranges from 95 F to 109 F. However, the American Heart Association warns that temperatures in the 80s and high humidity can create a heat index (how hot it feels as opposed to the actual temperature) that can put your heart at risk.
Decrease your risk of heart disease by:
- Avoiding going out during the hottest times of the day
- Staying inside in the air conditioning
- Protecting your skin with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Avoiding drinking fruit juice or soda
- Drinking water roughly every 20 minutes
Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water because at that point, you may already be dehydrated. Dehydration increases the chances that you develop a heat-related illness. Instead, do your best to drink a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Your body needs a lot of water to regulate its temperature.
Mind Your Heart Health
You can keep tabs on your heart and your health by regularly visiting a health care provider. Also, take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. You will be less likely to encounter heart issues or heat-related illness if you make your personal health a priority.