A study found that persons with heart disorders have a lower tolerance to heat stress, placing them at risk for issues including chronic heart failure or ventricular dysfunction.
The heart’s crucial modifications to normalize the body’s heat typically avoid heat-related damage. However, when the heart functions are disrupted, the body’s thermal regulation might be disturbed by exercise or exposure to the summer heat. This essay will provide summer heart health tips.
Drink water
Hypohydration, or the loss of body fluids, affects not just physical and mental performance but also heart health. Adverse effects of acute hypohydration include altered blood pressure regulation, decreased cardiac cell function, and decreased blood flow, resulting in various heart diseases.
Avoid strenuous exercise
A study found that strenuous activity in the heat can harm the heart. This is due to increased oxygen demand from muscles and other important organs. The high heat raises the need for blood flow in the active muscles, and hence the demand for oxygen. This dual demand may produce excessive cardiac muscle contraction and elevated blood pressure.
Caffeine-free
A study linked moderate caffeine and coffee use to an increased risk of arrhythmia. It causes irregular heartbeats, either too fast or too slow. Cautious use of caffeinated coffee or drinks may aggravate the disease. As a natural diuretic, coffee may cause dehydration.
Prevent heat exhaustion
Dehydration is caused by heat exhaustion. Extreme heat causes symptoms like nausea, muscle cramps, respiratory issues, and electrolyte loss. These symptoms can weaken people and raise their risk of heart diseases like heart attacks.
Eat light meals
Summertime eating should be healthy and light. Experts advise those with cardiac issues to avoid overeating or consuming junk food throughout the summer. Eating has thermogenic effects on the body. Eating heavy foods generates greater heat in the body, which when combined with the heat of the environment can be detrimental.
Avoid going out in the sun.
Summer outdoor activities should be avoided, especially for those with heart issues. Heatwaves are more intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., increasing the risk of heatstroke. A study also showed that heat waves can worsen or raise the death rate of persons with cardiac conditions.
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcohols are diuretics, which means they can cause dehydration and contribute to heat exhaustion. Alcohol raises the body’s temperature. Summer high body temperature can induce electrolyte loss from excessive sweating or damage key organs.
Watch your medications
Some heart drugs, such as beta-blockers, can reduce blood flow and impede sweating, which is an important way to eliminate body heat. Other drugs can alter heat regulation and blood pressure. So, monitor your prescriptions and, if you take them in the heat, keep cool and preserve electrolyte balance.
Other Heart-Healthy Practices
- Eat fewer salty or salty-flavored items during the summer.
- Eat watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, tomatoes, beans, and ice apple to keep your body cool.
- Consume lean meats and avoid cooking your foods.
- In addition to cutting back on your caloric intake, try eating more frequently and at smaller portions.
- Put an end to your smoking habit. Take care not to overexert yourself. Keep your body cool by wearing light-colored and breathable clothing.