How heart patients should tackle the summer heat
Summer heat and humidity make most of us uncomfortable, but these can be quite harmful for heart patients. As temperatures rise in summer, the heart responds by pumping faster. Even moderate exercise may result in up to ten-fold increase in heat production that can cause the heart rate to increase, raising the risk of a heart attack. A research published in ‘Circulation’, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association, found that when temperatures reach a high extreme, the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease may double or triple.
During hot weather, people taking diuretics (drugs that help the body get rid of extra fluid and salt by increasing urine production and used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, oedema) should be careful as their chances of dehydration increase. During summer, doctors normally advise people to increase their liquid intake. For heart patients, however, a balanced liquid intake remains the key as drinking large amounts of water or any fluid could cause significant stress on the heart.
Tips for heart patients to deal with high temperatures
■ Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. The best way to avoid heat stress is to keep as cool as possible. A cool bath or shower can provide relief from the heat. Wear loose-fitting, light cotton clothing.
■ Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol. The body needs more water in hot weather. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to have water. Heart patients, however, should check with the doctor about their liquid intake.
They should also avoid alcohol and excessive consumption of coffee and tea. These are diuretic in nature and can result in rapid water loss. In addition, alcohol can also promote a false sense of well-being, making people less aware of the danger signs of heat stress.
■ Eat light, balanced meals. Heart patients should avoid spicy foods and heavy meals. They should also keep their salt intake to the levels recommended by their physician.
■ Limit your activity. However, people with heart issues must daily go for some moderate exercise like walking, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. During extreme hot conditions, they should exercise indoors, or opt for yoga, swimming etc.
■ Stay connected if you live alone. Those who live by themselves or away from their family should make sure that a family member or a neighbour checks on them regularly.
— The writer is a Mohali-based cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon
