by If you have a heart condition that has not yet been diagnosed, hot weather can worsen underlying symptoms and prompt a diagnosis.
The tip comes from Dr. Samantha Wild, Women’s Health Clinical Director and General Practitioner at Bupa Health Clinics.
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This can happen because your heart is under more strain than usual in hot weather as it tries to regulate your body temperature.
And Dr Wild warned: ‘If you have heart disease, hot weather increases your risk of heart attack, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure.
“The hotter the weather, the greater the risk.”
How can you detect heart disease in hot weather?
READ MORE ABOUT HEART DISEASE
According to Dr. Wild, heat can cause a variety of symptoms that may also indicate underlying heart disease:
- Dizziness: Feeling as if your surroundings are spinning or dizziness
- Sweating: You sweat more than usual, even if you haven’t exercised.
- Chest pain: A tight, constricted, or heavy feeling in the chest that may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, and arms, especially the left arm.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy for no apparent reason
- Shortness of breath: You find it difficult to breathe comfortably or evenly
- Changes in your heartbeat: You feel like your heart is beating faster or slower than usual
- Nausea: The feeling of being sick
If you have heart disease, the most important thing is to keep your body cool and well hydrated.
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Dr. Wild advised: “Try to stay in cool places.
“This means you should avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.).”
“If you must be outside during this time, spend time in the shade if possible and be sure to bring water to stay hydrated.
“When you’re indoors, try to keep your home as cool as possible. Use shutters, curtains or blinds to block out sunlight during the day, use a fan and don’t open windows until later in the day when it gets cooler outside than in your home.
“Only use electrical appliances when you need them – unplug unused appliances to keep your home cooler.”
Wearing light and loose clothing can also help your skin breathe. Avoid extreme physical exertion to prevent overheating.
And what you eat and drink can also make a difference.
Dr Wild said: “Drink plenty of water throughout the day so your body can compensate for sweating and keep your blood pressure stable.
“If you have heart failure, talk to your GP about how much you should drink in hot weather.
“Water-rich cold foods such as salads and fruit can also help ensure you get enough fluids and nutrients.
“Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as this can lead to further dehydration.”
If you feel unwell in hot weather and still do not feel well after 30 minutes of rest in a cool place, talk to a doctor.
Dr Wild added: “Also talk to a doctor if you experience physical discomfort in hot weather with symptoms that affect your heart.”
6 ways to prevent heart disease
According to the NHS, simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
The best diet is low-fat and high in fiber – that means lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as whole grain products.
Salt consumption should be limited to 6 g per day and foods containing saturated fats, such as meat pies and butter, should be avoided.
However, include foods high in unsaturated fatty acids in your diet, such as fatty fish, avocados, and nuts and seeds.
Be more physically active
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Your family doctor can tell you your ideal weight or you can calculate your body mass index (BMI) online.
Quit smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), so quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Reduce your alcohol consumption
Binge drinking increases the risk of heart attack, so be sure to stick to the recommended amounts.
Men and women should not drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis, this should be spread over three or more days and you should try to have alcohol-free days each week.
Keep your diabetes under control
If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, so keep it under control by being physically active and controlling your weight.
Your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels should be checked regularly.
Take all prescribed medications
If you have a heart condition and are prescribed a medicine, make sure you take it and follow the correct dosage.
Do not stop taking any medicine without first consulting your doctor.
