Not only do winters put you at risk of heart disease, but the high temperatures in summer can also put a strain on your cardiovascular activity. According to Harvard Health, hazy, hot, humid days can be “downright dangerous” for people with cardiovascular problems.
A human body should not become too hot or too cold, as both conditions can affect the heart. Harvard Health reports that when the human body’s temperature rises too far, the proteins that build the body and carry out all of its chemical processes can stop working. The human body gives off extra heat in two ways: radiation and evaporation. Both processes put a strain on the heart.
With radiation, the human heart diverts blood flow so that more goes to the skin. This makes the heart beat faster and pump harder. During a relatively warm day, a human heart can circulate two to four times as much blood every minute as it does on a cool day, Harvard Health reports.
During evaporation, or sweating, the human body extracts more than just heat from the body. To keep the body cool on hot days, the human body resorts to evaporation. However, it also extracts sodium, potassium and other minerals necessary for muscle contractions, nerve transmissions and water balance. To make up for the loss of these minerals, the body begins to produce hormones that help it retain water and minimize mineral loss.
To avoid overloading your heart during hot days, you can follow some simple tricks.
Find cool air: Stay indoors under the cool air from your coolers or air conditioners to avoid the heat wave. Harvard Health recommends taking a cool shower or placing a cold, wet cloth or ice pack under your arm or groin to beat the heat.
Eat lightly: During hot days it is recommended to eat foods that do not overload your heart further. Avoid eating fried foods and switch to cold salads and fruits. Drink more fluids like juice and water at this time of year.
Avoid gym: If the heat is already making you sweat, it is recommended that you don’t overload your heart by hitting the gym and doing some hard exercises.
Drink water but no caffeinated drinks: Water will keep you cool in the scorching heat and provide much-needed relief to your heart. Harvard Health recommends drinking a glass of water every hour on dangerously hot and humid days. However, this does not mean that you should also drink sugary soda, as it slows the passage of water from the digestive system to the bloodstream. Also, don’t rely on caffeinated drinks or alcohol for liquids, as these can cause or increase dehydration.
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