Summer Heat Can Put Extra Strain on the Heart

Summer brings outdoor fun, travel, cookouts, and long sunny days. For many people, that is all welcome news. But for anyone living with heart disease or high blood pressure, hot weather is more than uncomfortable. It can be a real health concern.

The reason is simple: heat makes the heart work harder.

As body temperature rises, the heart pumps more blood toward the skin to help the body cool itself. For every degree your body temperature rises, your heart must pump about 10 extra beats per minute. On a very hot day, the added work can become significant.

A healthy heart can usually handle the extra demand. But a heart already weakened by disease, blocked arteries, heart failure, or high blood pressure may have a harder time keeping up. The risk can rise further when heat is combined with physical activity, direct sun, or poor air quality.

Dehydration adds another problem. The American Heart Association warns that heat-related dehydration can make the blood thicker, forcing the heart to work even harder to move it through the body. That can be especially risky for people who already have cardiovascular disease.

Some heart medications may also affect how the body handles heat. Certain medicines can change fluid levels, sweating, blood pressure, or heart rate. That does not mean people should stop taking them. It does mean they should ask their doctor or pharmacist whether hot weather requires extra care.

The concern is growing as extreme heat becomes more common. A study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation projects that cardiovascular deaths related to extreme heat could more than double over the next two decades.

The good news is that simple steps can lower the risk.

People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other major risk factors should try to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Morning or evening is often safer for walking, yardwork, errands, or exercise.

Hydration matters, too. Waiting until you feel thirsty is not the best plan, because thirst can be a sign that mild dehydration has already started. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help the body cool itself and reduce strain on the heart.

Clothing also helps. Lightweight, light-colored, breathable fabrics allow the body to release heat more easily. Hats, shade, fans, and air conditioning can also make a difference.

People should pay attention to warning signs such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heartbeat. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially in extreme heat.

Summer does not have to be spent indoors. For most people, warm weather can still mean time outside, travel, and activity. The key is to respect the heat. Check the forecast, plan around peak temperatures, drink water before you get thirsty, and listen to your body.

On hot days, your heart may be working harder than you realize. A little planning can help keep summer safe.