With temperatures rising every year, many people wonder how heatwaves affect their bodies. One important area that needs attention is heart health. We spoke to Dr Joy Shome, Cardiologist and Head of TAVR/TAVI at BM Birla Heart Hospital, who explains how heatwaves can put extra strain on the heart and shares tips on how to stay safe.
Do Heatwaves Affect Your Heart Health?
According to Dr Shome, when the body faces extreme heat, it must work harder to keep its temperature under control. "The rise in ambient temperature stimulates several mechanisms in the human body to regulate its core temperature," she says. Sweating is one of the main ways the body cools down, but this causes fluid loss. When this happens, the heart has to pump harder to maintain blood flow and send oxygen to vital organs.
"As a result, the heart rate and cardiac output could increase—at times, two to three times more than normal," explains Dr Shome. This extra work can be very dangerous, especially for people who already have heart conditions. If the heart cannot meet the increased oxygen demand, it can lead to serious complications.
Dehydration during heatwaves makes matters worse. Dr Shome adds, "Dehydration renders blood thick and may promote clots as well; this increases the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes." People on medications like diuretics, which remove extra fluids from the body, are at an even higher risk because they can lose important minerals like sodium and potassium. This can disturb the heart's rhythm and lead to more serious problems like arrhythmias and cardiovascular events.
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How To Stay Safe During Heatwaves?
Staying hydrated is key to protecting your heart during hot weather. "Most people should focus on drinking plenty of water," advises Dr Shome. However, she also notes that people with heart failure or kidney problems must be careful. They should follow their doctor’s advice about how much fluid they should take, as sometimes doctors may ease fluid restrictions during heatwaves.
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It is also very important to avoid the hottest part of the day, which is usually from late morning to early afternoon. Staying indoors in air-conditioned rooms, taking cool showers, and wearing light clothing can help.
"In order to reduce such risks, protection is offered to heart health during such events by remaining hydrated, paying special attention to fluid intake, and not spending long periods of time in extreme heat," says Dr Shome.
Heatwaves can be very dangerous if you have a heart condition, but with a little care and attention, you can stay safe and healthy.
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