During spring, most parts of the US witnessed historic heat waves, and with summer underway, experts are predicting higher temperatures than normal across the country. Extreme temperatures can increase health risks in individuals with chronic conditions that include heart problems. For individuals with heart conditions, here is how you can keep cool and protect against rising temperatures.
How temperature affects the heart
High heat exposure can have a special negative impact on heart conditions, in addition to increasing the danger of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The circulatory system is under stress, and the heart has to work harder. Heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks may all rise as a result of this.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, around one-fourth of heat-related deaths are caused by the interplay between severe heat and cardiovascular illness. The threat increases as the temperature rises. In Kuwait, where average temperatures often hit triple digits in the hot season, a recent study published in the journal Circulation examined the cardiovascular mortality rate over a period of seven years. The majority of cardiovascular deaths, which occur between temperatures of 95° F and 109° F, according to the study.
How to protect yourself when temperatures rise
The body sheds extra heat through radiation and evaporation, which could affect the heart. The heart beats faster and pumps more forcefully to help the body release heat when the atmospheric temperature is close to or higher than the body temperature, particularly in conditions of high humidity. The heart may pump two to four times more blood per minute on a sunny, humid day than it does on a cool day.
You can protect yourself from exposure to high heat if you have existing heat problems by monitoring the weather forecast for heat advisories. You can check with the city health department for cooling centers. While outside, try drinking 8 ounces of water after every 20 minutes, and always avoid drinking fruit juice, soda or alcohol as this may sow passage of water into the bloodstream from the digestive system. Lastly, protect your skin by applying sunscreen and wearing light colors and loose-fitting clothing.
