You may equate summertime with relaxing days and carefree schedules, but it’s often not a relaxing time for your heart. As temps heat up, your heart has to work harder to keep your body cool. It does so by increasing blood flow to the skin and sweating. This causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to fluctuate. It can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can affect how your heart functions.

Other than feeling a bit uncomfortable and sticky, most healthy people don’t experience any serious side effects from the heat even though their hearts may be working harder. But people with heart problems, as well as those who take certain medications, may find it more difficult to tolerate the heat and should take extra precautions so the weather doesn’t make them sick.

Here are 6 ways to protect your heart in the heat:

1. Stay as cool as possible. Your heart works overtime when it’s hot, especially when humidity is also high. When possible, stay indoors in the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to cool places, such as an indoor shopping mall, the library or your local community center. If you’re feeling hot, taking a cool shower or applying cool compresses to your skin can help bring your body temperature down.
2. Rearrange your schedule. Staying active is good for your heart, but it’s best to modify outdoor activities when it’s very hot. Plan exercise, yard work and other outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Hold off on activities all together if it’s especially hot. Switching up your routine may not be convenient but it can protect you from getting sick from the heat.
3. Drink more water than usual. When you’re dehydrated, your heart has to pump harder to move blood through your body. People on diuretics (water pills) are especially at risk of dehydration because these medications help your body get rid of fluid. Keep a water bottle nearby to sip regularly and get in the habit of drinking more when it’s hot than you usually do.
4. Change your diet. When it’s hot, it’s best to eat light meals and make water your drink of choice. Heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and make your body work harder as you digest the food. Too much salt can cause your body to hold onto fluids, which puts more pressure on your heart. Caffeine and alcohol can make dehydration worse.
5. Talk to your doctor about your medications. Heart medications like beta blockers, diuretics and some blood pressure pills can affect how your body handles the heat. They may make it harder to stay cool or make you more likely to lose fluids. Don’t stop taking your medications but ask your doctor if there are extra precautions you should take in the heat due to your medications.
6. Pay attention to your body. There are often signs that your body is getting too hot so be on the lookout for them. Feeling dizzy, weak or overly tired may mean your heart is struggling. You may also notice that your heart is beating fast or you’re short of breath. If you experience these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and take steps to cool off. If you continue to feel off, seek medical attention.

There’s no reason to skip summer fun when it’s hot just because you have a heart condition or take medications that may make you more susceptible to the heat. But it is smart to take steps to keep yourself as healthy as possible – and to listen to your body so you’ll recognize if the heat is getting the best of you.

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