Summer is not just about sunshine and longer days; it can be a serious challenge for your heart. High temperatures force the body to work harder to stay cool, putting added stress on the cardiovascular system. For those with underlying heart conditions, this heat-induced strain can increase the risk of complications like heart attacks, arrhythmias, or even heart failure.
According to Dr. Aditya Kumar Singh, Associate Director and Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeon at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, heatstroke is not just a dehydration problem, it is a full-blown cardiac issue in silence.
“When the body overheats during a heatstroke, it tries to cool its core temperature by pushing the heart to pump faster,” explains Dr. Singh. “This puts a tremendous strain on the heart, especially in individuals with existing heart conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure.”
And it is not just the 80-year-olds who need to worry. That friend who jogs in the noonday sun because “discipline is everything”? Might want to rethink their cardio timing. Dr. Singh warns that even people who think they are healthy can be caught off-guard. “People with undiagnosed heart disease may also suffer a heart attack when exposed to extreme heat.”
So what does your heart need to keep cool? “Wear a hat so you are always in some shade. And keep sipping water every 20 minutes, even if you do not feel thirsty,” says Dr. Singh. Think of it as a polite hydration negotiation with your internal organs.
But not everyone should be glugging water like it is a beer. People with heart failure, in particular, need to tread carefully. “They often have fluid restrictions, so mindless water intake can actually make things worse,” cautions Dr. Singh.
That includes skipping the summer cocktails too. Alcohol is not your heart’s favourite in hot weather. “Alcohol and even juices can further dehydrate or stress the system,” he adds.
Other sensible summer hacks for your heart? Keep it breezy and breathable. “Wear light, loose clothing, and avoid direct sunlight for long periods,” Dr. Singh advises. Also, put a leash on your salt cravings. Over-salting your food can mess with your blood pressure and make your heart huff and puff even harder.
Above all, if you have got heart disease, do not take it lightly. Take your meds, avoid exertion, and listen to your body. “Watch out for symptoms like dizziness, chest heaviness, or unusual fatigue,” says Dr. Singh. “These could be early signs of something serious and require immediate medical attention.”
