Drinking enough water, avoiding being outdoors when the temperature is too high, and controlling stress can help keep your heart healthy and avoid serious complications due to heat.
Hot weather during the summer can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system. According to Mayo Clinic, high temperature is a risk factor for serious consequences in people with heart disease and high blood pressure. They increase circulation causing the heart to beat faster in response.
In summer, increased heat and sweating also reduces fluid levels, leading to decreased blood volume and dehydration. This interferes with the body’s ability to cool, placing strain on the heart. Some healthy habits below can protect your heart and prevent disease during the summer months.
Check your heart health
People at high risk of heart disease (family history, overweight, cholesterol, high blood pressure) should have a health check or consult a doctor before participating in exercise in extreme weather. Understand cholesterol, blood pressure and other important cardiovascular indicators to form healthy habits. Taking necessary preventative measures helps keep your heart healthy.
Avoid exercising in intense heat
Activities under bright sunlight and rising temperatures, especially during the hottest time of the day (around 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.), can put stress on the heart. You should stay indoors or find a cool place during rush hours to reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system.
Drink enough water
Losing more fluid than you take in can affect vital functions, including your heart. Dehydration leads to serious complications in people at higher risk such as older age, chronic conditions or outdoor activities such as work or exercise.
Drinking enough water supports a healthy heart in hot weather. In addition to drinking 7-8 glasses of water a day, add foods rich in water to your diet. These include refreshing fruits (strawberries, watermelon, peaches) and vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, celery). These foods also contain essential nutrients for the heart.
Recognize signs of heat stroke
Heat stroke, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion often have symptoms such as excessive sweating, nausea, and rapid heart rate. People experiencing these signs should move to a cooler environment and get medical care if necessary. Limit strenuous activity when temperatures are too high to prevent heat-related complications.
Stress management
Summer stress can affect heart health. Engaging in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or going for a walk in cool weather helps reduce stress. Eat foods rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals to support the heart and stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol.