Staying Heart-Healthy In The Summer

Summertime and the livin’s easy!! Or is it??

With the increased daytime temperatures during our summer heatwaves, our heart health can become at risk. Dehydration, lack of airflow (including working in hot, poorly ventilated or confined areas), hot and crowded conditions (such as summer concerts or festivals), mid day sun exposure, and forest fires are all factors that can contribute to the development of heat stroke or heat related illnesses.

Heat stroke is a life threatening but reversible condition. It increases the stress on your heart dramatically. If you are a patient with underlying cardiovascular disease, the heart’s ability to meet the heat dissipation needs of your body can be overwhelmed, resulting in several cardiac complications.

These complications can include: tachyarrhythmias (super fast or irregular heart beats), conduction system disturbances, myocardial impairment/ischemic changes (from lack of blood flow to the heart), and heart failure. In the most severe cases, heat stroke can lead to cardiac arrest.

Although it is more common for elderly patients to suffer from heat stroke (due to underlying cardiovascular dysfunction), young healthy individuals can experience exertional heat stroke while engaging in strenuous activities. These symptoms can include abdominal and muscle cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and weakness.

There are many ways to beat the heat and stay healthy this summer. If you have to engage in intense physical activity outdoors, try to do it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid day sun. Keep yourself cool by taking advantage of air-conditioned spaces, pools or take cool baths/showers. And of course, stay hydrated!