How to Beat the Heat: Tips for Heart Health During Higher Summer Temperatures

KEY WEST, FL, JULY 2, 2024 – While the Florida Keys enjoy warm weather year round, Summer 2024 is predicted to bring on even more heat, which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures, it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib).
 
“Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot, humid weather forces the heart to work harder, kicking it into high gear to pump more blood to the skin,” said Giovanni Campanile, MD, FACC, cardiologist with Keys Medical Group and medical director of cardiology at Lower Keys Medical Center.
 
Excessive heat makes it more difficult to keep the core body temperature at a normal level, and this puts stress on vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.  So, if you have a heart condition, you need to avoid excessive stress and heat.  It is important to stay cool and well hydrated.
 
A recent study in a major heart scientific journal found a link between rising temperature and the risk of cardiovascular death especially when the heat rises above 95°.
 
Dr. Campanile emphasizes the importance of continuing to take medication as prescribed and suggests working with your cardiologist to come up with a heart health plan for hotter temperatures, including:

• Water intake. Too little water consumption can lead to dehydration, and too much can throw off electrolytes.  Drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
• Diet. Minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium are depleted while sweating. It’s important to replenish electrolytes through proper supplementation and nutrition. Avoid drinks with added sugar such as soda or fruit juice and limit alcohol consumption.
• Skin care. Protect your skin with UVA/UVB protection sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every hour.
• Fitness routine. Avoid working out during peak heat hours, or stay indoors or in the shade throughout the day.
• Attire. Lightweight, dry-fit clothing repels sweat and allows air to circulate to keep skin cooler.
• Be informed. Keep track of the weather forecast, especially heat advisories.

Warning signs that your body isn’t keeping up with the heat index include:

• High body temperature above 103°F
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Inability to sweat
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Disorientation
• Passing out

 
Anyone exhibiting more than one of these symptoms may be experiencing a heat stroke and should call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for medical attention, do not consume fluids and continue efforts to lower body temperature below 102°F. Move into the shade, take a cool – not cold – shower or bath, or move air with a fanning motion.
 
If you want to make sure your heart stays on beat in the summer heat, take Lower Keys Medical Center’s heart risk assessment for a free, downloadable report about your heart’s health. Visit www.LKMC.com.

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