Extreme Heat and Heart Health

These days of extreme heat during the summer months can cause certain heart problems even in healthy individuals. In patients with known heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, or those who have undergone bypass surgery, extreme heat can lead to a further worsening of symptoms. For this reason, these patients must be especially careful.In extreme heat, our body uses vasodilation and sweating mechanisms to regulate body temperature.

While the heart manages this, the body may experience low blood pressure and a decrease in various blood electrolytes, particularly sodium. This situation requires that fluid intake and medication doses be adjusted for the summer months in patients with high blood pressure who are taking diuretics, as well as in patients with heart failure.

Another disruption in circulation associated with fluid loss is an increase in blood clotting rates. This factor also contributes to the higher rates of heart attacks observed during excessively hot and humid summer months. To prevent a potential heart attack, individuals with heart conditions should drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.

Whether or not a patient has a known heart rhythm disorder, we are seeing an increase in the number of patients seeking care at emergency departments during the excessively hot summer months due to the heart beating much faster than normal or various arrhythmias that deviate from the normal rhythm. As people make vacation and travel plans during this time, it is essential to adjust treatment plans in consultation with doctors and take certain precautions to protect against these effects and prevent an increase in symptoms among heart patients.

• The most important of these measures is adequate fluid intake. It is especially important to aim for 2-2.5 liters per day. Patients with heart failure should definitely consult their doctor about the amount of fluid they should consume.
• It is important to avoid being outdoors during the hours when the sun's rays are strongest (most direct). Patients with cardiovascular disease should prefer to stay in cool places.
• If you consume alcohol, you should also be careful not to stay in the sun during the hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Light-colored clothing should be preferred, and care should be taken to ensure that the clothing is made of breathable fabric and is loose-fitting.
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables should be consumed, and excessively fatty and salty foods should be avoided. Since summer fruits may interact with blood-thinning medications, patients taking blood-thinning medications should have their check-ups more frequently.
• The amount of mineral water and soda consumed should be carefully monitored. It should be remembered that they can raise blood pressure and cause edema and electrolyte imbalance in patients with heart failure.
• Swimming should ideally be done in the morning and evening, and on an empty stomach. Swim parallel to the shore.

References:

• World Health Organization. (2008). Heat–Health Action Plans: Guidance.

• World Health Organization. (Güncel). Climate Change and Health – Heat and Cardiovascular Risk.

• American Heart Association. (Güncel). Heat and Heart Disease – Patient Guidance.

• European Society of Cardiology. (Güncel). Cardiovascular Disease and Extreme Heat Position Statements.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Güncel). Extreme Heat and Cardiovascular Disease.

• Turkish Cardiology Association. (Current). Recommendations for Heart Patients to Protect Themselves During the Summer Months.