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High summer temperatures and heat waves can put strain on the heart and even trigger a heart attack or stroke. Dr. Carlos Gonzalez Lengua, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, explains what to look out for on hot days to avoid health complications.
In summer, many people spend more time outdoors and enjoy the sun. The problem is that the high temperatures can put a lot of strain on the heart – especially due to the risk of dehydration, explains the expert.
Dehydration increases heart rate
“People exposed to heat or humidity tend to become dehydrated, and dehydration causes an increased heart rate—that is, the heart beats faster than usual,” explains Dr. Gonzalez Lengua in a recent press release from the Cleveland Clinic.
This can increase inflammation in the body and cause other health problems. It is possible that such inflammation contributes to the formation of dangerous blood clots, which can lead to a life-threatening heart attack or stroke, says Dr. Lengua.
Who is particularly at risk?
Older people and people with existing heart problems are particularly at risk from the effects of extreme heat. To avoid health problems in extreme heat, the expert advises keeping a close eye on the weather and staying indoors as much as possible during the hottest part of the day.
If you do leave the house when it's very hot, you should avoid strenuous activities and, if possible, go to places where it's not so hot and where you can cool down. You should also make sure you drink plenty of fluids, adds Dr. Gonzalez Lengua.
Another important factor for the risk of dehydration is the intake of medication. It should be remembered that certain medicines, such as blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of dehydration.
If you feel exhausted on hot days, you should cool down immediately and drink plenty of water, recommends the cardiologist. If you experience noticeable symptoms such as chest pain, Dr. Lengua recommends calling the emergency services immediately.
Heat affects cardiovascular health
The effects of heat on cardiovascular health are also illustrated by a study whose results can be read in the English-language journal “Scientific Reports”.
Accordingly, summer heat waves can lead to increased demands on thermoregulation and blood pressure regulation of the vasomotor system, which in turn can contribute to cardiovascular complications.
Preparing for heatwaves
Overall, it is likely that summer heatwaves will increase rather than decrease in the future and we should urgently be aware of the associated health risks in order to minimize the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events through appropriate preventive measures. (as)