How to take care of your health, including your heart, in hot weather...

Beat the Heat

Heat-related illness can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov):

·         Children up to age 4

·         People 65 or older

·         People who are overweight

·         Those who have a mental illness

·         People with chronic health problems — especially heart disease or high blood pressure

·         Those who take certain medications

Heat-related illness can affect people who work, exercise, or play outdoors on a hot, humid day. It can also affect people who live in a home without air conditioning — especially if they are very young, over 65, or have a chronic health problem.

What is heat-related illness?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body can’t maintain its normal temperature, which is about 98.6^o F. The body cools itself by sweating; sweat evaporates into the air, cooling the body. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating may not cool the body. Then body temperature can rise quickly. High body temperatures – especially above 103^o F — may damage the brain or other organs.

Heat and Your Heart

Heat and humidity can be hard on your heart, according to the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org). Why? Your heart is trying to pump oxygen-rich blood to your muscles and organs, while your body is trying to cool off by sweating. As you sweat, you lose fluid. This decreases your total blood volume, so your heart has to pump harder to do its job. In addition, when you lose too much fluid, your body temperature rises. Extreme fluid loss can lead to brain and heart damage.

Heat Stroke Can Kill  

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It happens when the body can’t control its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent injury without emergency medical care. 

The warning signs of heat stroke include:  

·         Very high body temperature (above 103°F)

·         Red, hot and dry skin — no sweating

·         Fast and strong pulse (gently feel the wrist or side of neck)

·         Throbbing headache

·         Dizziness

·         Nausea

·         Confusion

·         Unconsciousness

If you see someone with the warning signs of heat stroke, they need medical help as soon as possible.

What to do for heat stroke:

·         Have someone phone 9-1-1.

·         If outdoors, move into the shade.

·         Cool the person fast. Put him or her in a tub of cool water or in a cool shower; or spray with cool water from a garden hose; or sponge with cool water.

Heat Exhaustion: The First Stage    

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness, but it can become heat stroke if not treated. It can happen if a person is dehydrated — not drinking enough of the right kinds of liquids. It most often happens to older people, those with chronic health problems, and those working, exercising, or playing in a hot environment. 

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

·         Heavy sweating

·         Pale, cool and moist skin

·         Fast and weak pulse (gently feel the wrist or side of neck)

·         Muscle cramps

·         Tiredness or weakness

·         Dizziness

·         Headache 

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Fainting

If you or someone you know has warning signs of heat exhaustion that get worse or last longer than one hour, get medical help.

What to do for heat exhaustion:

·         Stop working, playing, or exercising right away.

·         If outdoors, move into the shade.

·         Loosen tight clothing.

·         Rest.

·         Drink cool liquids, such as water, fruit juice, or a sports drink — but nothing with alcohol or caffeine. 

·         Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

·         If possible, go to an air-conditioned place: home, public library, or shopping mall.  

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

The best way to prevent heat-related illness is to stay cool. Here are some tips to beat the heat:

·         Drink plenty of liquids, such as water and fruit juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

·         Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which cause you to lose more fluids. 

·         If you work, exercise, or play outdoors, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool liquids every hour; try a sports drink. If exercising outdoors, try to go in the morning before it gets hot.

·         Eat a good diet to replace the minerals and salt lost in sweat. (Don’t take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to do so.)

·         Wear light-colored, loose clothing.

·         Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors.

·         Take cool baths or showers to cool off.  Better yet, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home is not air conditioned, go to a public library or shopping mall   — even a few hours a day can help. 

Finally, keep an eye out for older friends, neighbors and family members: 

·         Visit them at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat-related illness. 

·         Take them to an air-conditioned place if their home is not air-conditioned. 

Additional Help

To find a cardiologist or Crozer-Keystone physician who’s right for you, call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258).

Seniors and their caregivers can also access appropriate services in the community by calling Crozer-Keystone’s Senior Support Line at 1-800-CKHS-KEY (1-800-254-7539).

1-800-CK-HEALTH