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[cardiac-specialist]

Lifestyle Changes during summer for Heart Patients

The human body has built-in mechanisms to dissipate excess heat. Our hearts, in particular, work much harder to cool the body through sweating. However, special precautions must be taken in heart patients. Here are some tips to keep your heart healthy this summer.

Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration is one of the reasons why cardiac events are more common in the summer. As a result, the blood becomes more concentrated, putting additional strain on the endothelium (the lining of our blood vessels). It goes without saying that you should drink plenty of water. It is even more important if you are a high-risk individual with conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, or diabetes. You can track your water intake with a health app or set a reminder for every hour. Drink 1 litre per 20kg of body weight as a general rule. For example, if you weigh 60kg, you should drink at least 3 litres of water per day. However, if your heart function is impaired, these values should be cut in half. A delicate balance must be maintained.

Avoid excess consumption Caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics. This means that they encourage water loss through urine. Excessive consumption of these drinks aggravates the heart even more. As a result, their intake must be restricted during the summer.

Stay inside: Stay indoors as much as possible to protect your heart from the scorching sun. Peak sun hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. get your exercise in before the heat sets in or when the sun goes down. This way, you can get your vitamin D while avoiding the extreme heat.

Take Medications on Time: Heart patients should never miss medication at any time, but especially during the summer. Always consult a cardiologist if you feel dizzy for any reason. It could be because of the heat. If your blood pressure is low, your doctor may adjust your medications. Always consult your doctor before changing any medications or dosages.

Summer heat raises our body temperature, requiring the heart to work harder to keep the core temperature of the body cool. These individuals are also at risk of developing atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. As a result, those with heart disease should maintain their health, take the necessary precautions when the temperature rises and consult a Cardiologist.