Can Too Much Summer Heat Be Bad for Your Heart?

Excessive Summer Heat and Your Heart

Picture this: It's the middle of August. You have plans for a beach weekend with your family. You're just a few days away so you check the forecast one last time and bam:

Heatwave.

Oh well, you think. The worst that'll happen is you get a sunburn. You'll just wear some extra sunscreen. Maybe pack a few more waters.

Unfortunately for many people, the summer sun can mean something much worse than a burn. Excessive heat can put strain on the heart, which can lead to a whole host of nasty health conditions.

Heart Condition Or Not, Everyone Should Make Heart Health a Priority

Our bodies like being in the Goldilocks zone — not too hot, not too cold. Once the thermostat tips into the 70s and 80s (and above), our hearts go into overdrive trying to lower our body temperature.

This can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and even blood clots — something everyone should be concerned about, but for those with pre-existing heart conditions, it can be really serious.

At its worst, heat stress can trigger any one of the following:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Blockage of the arteries
• Heart rhythm abnormalities
• Blood pressure fluctuations

Not everyone is affected the same way. Some groups are at higher risk for a heart scare:

• Older adults
• People with existing heart conditions
• People taking certain medications
• Athletes and outdoor workers
• People with diabetes
• People who are overweight or obese
• Young children

It's important to know that even if you don't fall into any of these high-risk groups, you can still suffer a heat-related heart issue and should take precautions to protect yourself from excessive heat.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Heart?

Staying hydrated, keeping cool, and wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing are your baseline, but you can also try the following:

• Limit physical activity: Avoid exercising outside during the hottest hours of the day, and make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout.
• Monitor your health: Understand the symptoms of heat-related disease and take note of any concerning symptoms.
• Adjust your medications: Ask your doctor about making adjustments to your heart medications to account for the heat.
• Eat light meals: Smaller, lighter meals tend to reduce the amount of heat your body produces when digesting food.

If you're overheated, get out of the sun as soon as you can and find shelter inside a cool, shady place (preferably one with air-conditioning).

Once you're safely inside, rehydrate with plenty of fluids. A cool shower, bath or simply some damp cloths can help you bring your body's temperature back to normal.

If you're concerned about your symptoms — like if you're experiencing sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness or fainting — make a trip to your doctor or call 911.

Heat-related heart conditions are no joke. Make sure you're putting your heart health first so you can safely enjoy the summer sunshine.