Many people look forward to the longer, sunshine-filled days of summer. However, with warm weather comes potential risks to your health. Before the temperatures start to rise, it can be beneficial to see your cardiologist to best understand how the heat and humidity can affect any conditions or medications you are taking. Here is a guide on how to protect your heart during the summer. 

Why Heat Can Be Problematic

When the weather is warmer outside, the heart has to work harder to regulate body temperature. This function can cause additional stress on the heart as it beats harder to circulate blood faster. Dehydration and heat stroke can happen to anyone, but a healthy person is less susceptible than someone with a chronic medical condition, like hypertension or heart disease. 

People who take heart or blood pressure medication, or those over 70 are at a higher risk for complications. When the body doesn't have enough fluid or blood volume, organs are denied the blood flow they need to function properly. 

How to Protect Yourself 

It's important to stay hydrated when it's hot outside. The more you sweat, the more your body needs to be replenished. If you plan on exercising outside for more than 30 minutes, you should have water with you. If you have a heart condition, talk to your cardiologist about the amount of water you should drink to avoid dehydration without throwing off your electrolytes. 

While summer is associated with pool parties and barbecues, it's critical to be mindful of alcohol consumption, which can contribute to dehydration risk during extreme heat. Avoid direct sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when its rays are strongest. Wear light colors and breathable fabric that keeps your body cool on hot days.

Heart conditions aren't always predictable, so it's critical to have a cardiologist you trust on your side. For more than 25 years, residents in Houston County and the surrounding areas have turned to Premier Cardiology Consultants. Dr. Nidal Yunis, a skilled vascular surgeon, and an exceptional team of nurse practitioners utilize cutting-edge technology to provide superior heart disease screenings and treatments for hundreds of patients in their Dothan, AL, clinic. To learn more about these compassionate practitioners, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (334) 699-6396.