The Washington, D.C., area is experiencing its hottest summer to date, with local highs expected in the 90s for the coming weeks. According to medical professionals at Abbott, a global healthcare company, extreme heat can not only be uncomfortable but also dangerous and take a toll on the heart.
“Extreme heat can be a stressor on the heart, causing it to work harder than normal to pump blood while your body tries to cool itself. Hot weather can be especially dangerous for people with existing heart conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease,” said Dr. Nadim Geloo, senior director of medical affairs for Abbott. “For individuals with compromised health, even 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can be hot enough to cause someone issues.”
According to Molly Paulino, C.N.P., D.N.P., A.P.N.P., a nurse practitioner in cardiology at the Mayo Clinic, the greatest risks occur when the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and when the humidity is more than 70%. “Some people are at higher risk of being affected by humidity, including those who are over age 50, overweight, or have heart, lung, or kidney conditions,” said Paulino.
People with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease are more prone to heart complications due to the heat and humidity, according to Geloo. “People taking certain types of medications like diuretics or those for mental health conditions are also at higher risk of experiencing issues due to high temperatures,” said Geloo.
According to Geloo, there’s a spectrum of symptoms that people can experience in hot weather. “The most mild symptoms are heat cramps or muscle spasms. The next stage is heat exhaustion which can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and heavy sweating,” he said. “These symptoms may be reversible by getting out of the heat, lying down, and drinking cold water. The most extreme form of heat illness is heat stroke. It’s at this point, Geloo said, that a person might experience an altered state or have seizures. Their skin may be red or feel hot.
Staying safe during extreme heat is all about prevention. “A simple solution to dodging high heat is staying indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day and keeping hydrated. People should dress appropriately for the weather by wearing lighter clothing or wearing a hat to keep cool,” continued Geloo. “Those with pre-existing heart conditions or concerns about heat exposure can monitor their pulse to ensure it isn’t elevated.”
According to Geloo, alcohol use can amplify the effects of extreme heat and make it more difficult to recognize heat illness signs and symptoms, so it’s imperative that adults limit alcohol consumption when they plan on spending time outdoors during periods of extreme heat.
“Being in the heat and drinking alcohol makes it hard for your body to regulate its temperature effectively,” said Lena Beal, MS, RDN, LD, a therapeutic dietitian at Piedmont. “This can lead to cramps from the loss of water and salt and even heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure.”
In the case you or someone you know experiences serious symptoms following exposure to high temperatures, seek medical attention immediately.
“Someone should seek urgent medical attention after heat exposure if they’re showing extreme symptoms including lightheadedness, a pulse rate consistently above normal, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, red skin, being hot to touch or they’re behaving abnormally. At this stage, an individual is severely dehydrated and their heart and all organs are being stressed,” said Geloo.
As the summer continues, it’s paramount that people monitor their heart health, whether they have pre-existing health issues or not. Remain hydrated at all times, seek out shade or head indoors during periods of extreme heat, look out for and recognize minor and major symptoms, and seek help if there are signs of potential heat stroke.
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