Summer is here, an excellent time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But when the weather gets super hot, it can be tough on your heart. This is true even for healthy hearts, but it's extra important if you already have a heart condition. As temperatures rise, your heart must work harder. Knowing how heat can cause heart problems – and what signs to look for – can help you care for your heart all summer long.
Can Hot Weather Affect Your Heart?
In short, yes. When it’s warm outside, your body has to work hard to keep your temperature at a normal level. To do this, your heart pumps faster and harder to send more blood to your skin. This extra blood flow helps you cool off by sweating. But sweat can also cause you to lose sodium, potassium and other minerals and stress your heart.
The main thing to remember: If you're also active in extreme heat – like walking, gardening or exercising – your heart works even more to keep you cool.
Extreme heat can lead to serious heart problems, including:
? Heat exhaustion. When your body gets too hot and can't cool down, your heart works extra hard and struggles to keep up.
? Heat stroke. A very serious condition, heat stroke happens when your body temperature gets dangerously high, pushing your heart to its limit as your body's cooling system shuts down.
? Irregular heartbeat. This might happen when your heart might beat too fast or skip beats.
? Heart attack. This is especially a risk for people who already have heart disease.
People with certain heart conditions, such as heart failure or high blood pressure, are more sensitive to heat. Some medicines, including certain blood pressure pills (called beta blockers), can also make you more sensitive to heat. That's why it's important to be extra careful on hot days.
Why Does My Heart Feel Strange When I Get Hot?
It's not just in your head – hot weather can make your heart feel different. Your body is telling you it's working hard. Watch out for these signs:
? Discomfort or pain in your chest
? Dizziness or lightheadedness
? Fatigue or weakness
? Headache
? Nausea
? Very fast heartbeat or heart flutters (these are called palpitations)
These can be early warning signs that you're getting too hot or your heart is under too much stress. It’s important not to ignore them.
When to Stop and Seek Help
If you notice any of the signs above, stop what you're doing right away. Move to a cooler place, such as inside an air-conditioned building or in the shade. Drink some water and rest. If you don’t start to feel better after a few minutes – or if your symptoms get worse – you need to get medical help right away. Chest pain, fainting or trouble breathing are signs of a medical emergency, and you should call for help immediately.
Tips to Protect Your Heart in the Heat
Staying safe in the summer heat is easier than you think. Here are some simple tips:
? Stay inside during the hottest times of day. Try to do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening, usually before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
? Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you, and drink water often, even if you don't feel thirsty.
? Dress smart. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help your body stay cool.
? Take breaks. If you are active outdoors, take frequent breaks in a shady or cool spot.
? Find cool places. Use air conditioning or fans whenever possible. If you don't have AC at home, visit a mall, library, or a local cooling center.
? Talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor how hot weather might affect your medications, especially for your heart.
If you have heart disease or want to make sure your heart stays healthy all summer long, find a Union Health provider who can help you monitor your heart health.