More music about surfing than songs about possible health dangers are probably on your favorite summertime playlist. Health professionals would like to add a word of caution to the mix, though, given that a large portion of the country previously had a historic heat wave in June.

According to Dr. Lance Becker, chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health, a hospital in New York, hot weather is like a stress test for your heart. Additionally, some people react badly to such stress. "They might experience a heart attack. They could experience considerably worse congestive heart failure symptoms. Or perhaps they have an arrhythmia "the name given to an abnormal heartbeat in medicine.

Your heart and brain may be seriously at risk.

According to research in a 2020 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospital admissions for cardiovascular issues increased in the days following temperature increases. The most typical type of stroke, an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot, appears to be more likely to occur in warmer weather, according to a 2017 review of the literature published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

The main factor in human heat control is blood flow. By directing blood to the skin, a healthy body dissipates heat. We also perspire, and when sweat evaporates, more heat is removed.

It's often a "pretty darn good mechanism," according to Becker. However, extreme heat can damage it. After that, situations may turn "very, very hazardous."

Anyone with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, or obesity is more susceptible to heat-related issues, according to Dr. Rachel M. Bond, head of women's heart health at Dignity Health in Arizona. The CDC also cautions that diabetes may damage blood vessels and nerves, which may impair a person's ability to cool off.

How can you keep secure?

Recognize these signs

Headache, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, and calm, wet skin are all indicators of heat exhaustion. Moving away from the heat or using a moist cloth to cool off are effective treatments. Consult a doctor if your symptoms don't get better in an hour.

Observe what you eat

Bond advised people who grew up eating summer mainstays like watermelon or cucumbers to keep eating them because they are hydrating.

But Becker advised against eating large meals. It's not a good idea to have a large meal at that time since it will force more blood to go to your digestive system at a time when your body is already working hard to push blood to your skin.

Take in a lot of water

According to Bond, drinking water makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and makes muscles operate more effectively. The precise volume of fluids you require can change. Besides those with cardiovascular issues that would limit them, Bond normally advises her patients to consume at least 64 ounces of liquid per day.

Remain calm

Becker advises getting a fan and a spray bottle or damp cloth if you don't have air conditioning or can't get to somewhere that does.

"Sitting immediately in front of a fan and then either spraying some water on your body or using a cold washcloth to apply water to your body and then evaporating that water off of your skin can help cool you down," he said. Actually, one of the things we do to patients in the emergency room is that.

Medication monitoring

Heart patients must be diligent about following medications because of the additional stress on their systems.

There are times when consulting a doctor is necessary. Diuretics can assist get rid of extra fluid in the body in those with high blood pressure or heart failure. To combat the heat, they might also need to consume more fluids. According to Becker, the situation is perplexing. "As a result, we typically advise that these individuals simply avoid heat stress because it is really challenging to handle it effectively."

Exercise

Exercise is crucial for long-term health, even in the heat. However, if you can, switch your training inside—or start swimming.

While supporting youth sports, parents and coaches must be aware of the dangers. Unfortunately, young people do pass away during this season, Bond noted. The CDC advises athletes on heat-related issues.