Are heat waves affecting your heart health? Learn about the connections between heart problems and the heat that continues to rise in the country.
According to experts, this summer we will experience hotter than normal temperatures across the nation. In addition to making us uncomfortable, extreme temperatures can increase the health risk for people with chronic conditions like heart problems. The following is an overview of the connection between heart problems and hot weather.
Hot Weather and the Heart
Exposure to high heat stresses the cardiovascular system and increases the risk for heat exhaustion, heart attacks, heart failure, and more. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the connection between high heat and heart disease leads to about one-quarter of heat-related deaths.
Moreover, researchers have found a link between rising temperatures and the risk of cardiovascular deaths. “Climate change is giving us more, and unprecedented, heat that can be deadly, especially for people with heart disease,” says Dr. Aaron Bernstein, interim director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Shedding Heat
The human body sheds extra heat in two ways that may affect the heart: radiation and evaporation. During radiation, your body gets rid of extra heat by radiating it into the air. However, this process requires rerouting your circulation so more of it goes to your skin.
In contrast, evaporation (or sweating) helps cool you down by pulling heat away from your skin. While this works well when the air is dry, the sweat just sits on the skin in hot and humid climates. If the air temperature exceeds your body temperature, your heart has to work harder to help your body shed heat, especially on a hot and humid day.
Protecting Yourself
High temperatures affect everyone – but especially those who have existing heart problems. However, there are some basic tips you can follow to stay cool during these hot days. For example, you can monitor the weather for heat advisories and stay inside on hot days.
If you’re outside, make sure you drink eight ounces of water every 20 minutes to stay hydrated. Still, make sure you’re drinking water, as other beverages like soda, fruit juice, and alcohol may dehydrate you faster. Finally, make sure you protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, as sunburns will affect your body’s ability to cool down and increase your risk of dehydration.
The Outlook
Even though the weather is getting hotter, it doesn’t mean you can’t take the necessary measures to stay cool. By doing so, you’ll not only increase your comfort, but you’ll be reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
In addition to staying cool, you can give your heart health an extra boost by taking supplements like HeartBeet Complete. Its ingredients effectively promote circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. If you’re ready to support your heart health, make sure you take the necessary precautions on a hot day and take HeartBeet Complete.
