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Summer is a wonderful time of year that is usually associated with vacations and relaxation.

However, the prevailing weather conditions (heat and humidity) can put cardiovascular health at risk. In recent years, the climate has been changing rapidly, affecting the majority of the world’s population. The ozone layer has decreased and UV rays reach the earth directly, causing unpleasant health effects (the ozone layer recovers at a rate of 1-3% per decade).

Why is increased temperature dangerous for the heart?

When the ambient temperature is higher than body temperature, the heart’s work increases greatly to keep the body cool. The additional stress on the cardiovascular system can be extremely dangerous for people with heart problems.

How do we protect heart function in the summer?

Hydration

It is necessary to drink plenty of water (unless there is heart failure, in which case the amount of fluids will be determined by the cardiologist) as well as other solutions containing electrolytes that stabilize the electrical system of the heart. On the contrary, it is necessary to limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which cause dehydration.

Light clothing

Clothing should be light, light-colored, and made of cotton to reflect heat and allow sweat to evaporate quickly.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables

People with heart disease should follow a light and nutritious diet throughout the year, especially in the summer. It is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar, fat and carbohydrates to reduce the work of the heart during digestion.

Limiting exercise and other outdoor activities

Exercise is extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system, but during the summer, outdoor sports increase the work of the heart, so it should be avoided. In addition, other activities such as walking, gardening, etc. should only be done in the evening hours and the necessary amount of water should be taken.

Using sunscreen

Before any exposure to the sun, it is necessary to use sunscreen. If the body is burned by the sun, it is much more difficult to remain at a low temperature, so cardiac function is greatly burdened.

Staying in a cool environment

Turn on air conditioners and fans (be careful to avoid cooling) to keep the indoor environment cool.

Monitoring the color of urine

Dark urine indicates that the body is dehydrated and it is necessary to immediately consume a large amount of fluids. On the contrary, when urine is light in color it means that we are adequately hydrated.

Modifying medication

Patients suffering from heart disease and hypertension often take diuretics. These drugs increase urine production and dehydrate the body. Also, the use of antidepressants and antihistamines can prevent sweating. Symptoms such as dizziness and weakness should be reported immediately to the attending physician. In conclusion, patients with heart disease should consult their cardiologist for a possible reduction in the dose of medications during the summer.

Swimming wisely

Swimming promotes physical and mental health. Therefore, exercise in the sea should be done at a lower intensity (than outside the water). The ideal water temperature for patients with heart disease is 26 degrees Celsius. If there is the slightest symptomatology (chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, etc.) swimming should be stopped and the treating cardiologist should be informed immediately. It is recommended to start and end swimming at a slow pace.

Relaxation in nature

Enjoying the natural landscape, walking on the beach or on quiet paths without a particular rhythm, stretching exercises, socializing with people and all water sports are some of the activities that enhance brain functions, e.g. memory, and at the same time, through an increase in endorphins, relax the body.

If the above recommendations are not followed and the body is exposed without precautions to increased temperature and with concomitant high humidity, it may suffer heat rash, heat cramps, exhaustion and in extreme cases, heat stroke.

The symptoms of heat stroke are: rash, muscle pain, spasms in the lower extremities, tachypnea, hypotension, gastrointestinal discomfort, decreased urination, dizziness, fainting, confusion, agitation and fever. If the aforementioned symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is needed cooling, cold compresses on the skin, removal from the hot area, removal of clothing and immediate transport of the patient to the nearest hospital.

This summer (as in the previous two) we should not underestimate the new subvariants of the Covid-19 disease which are capable of infecting even vaccinated people more easily (even with the booster dose).

Meticulous hand hygiene, the use of masks indoors and outdoors (in case of intense crowding) as well as maintaining distance from people in our environment even outdoors are extremely necessary (regardless of whether it is not mandatory). By meticulously following the measures, there is a high chance that the summer will be pleasant and enjoyable for everyone.