5 Ways to Protect Your Heart Health This Summer

When we think about summertime, we tend to think of slow, lazy days with plenty of fun and relaxation. 

Our bodies, however, think something different. As temperatures rise, our hearts have to work harder to keep our bodies cool. Your heart has to pump faster to increase blood flow to the skin through expanded blood vessels. This can also make your blood pressure fluctuate and even lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

At Phillips Family Medical, Pamela Phillips, Ph.D., FNP-C, and our expert team want to help protect your heart health this summer. Here are five specific ways you can do that.

1. Stay hydrated

When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, meaning your heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout your body to help cool it down. Drink water throughout the day (more than you normally do), and if you’re sweating for more than a half hour, add in some electrolytes.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The middle of the day is when the sun’s rays are strongest, making the stress on your heart the highest. It’s good to stay active, but plan exercise, yard work, and other outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

3. Adjust your diet

When it’s hot outside, focus on eating light meals and drinking mainly water. Avoid heavy, salty meals that leave you feeling sluggish and make your body work harder as it digests your food. Too much salt causes fluid retention, making your heart work harder; caffeine and alcohol can make dehydration worse as well.

4. Check your meds

Some medications, such as diuretics, beta blockers, and blood pressure pills, can affect how your body handles the heat. They can make it harder to stay cool or make your body lose liquids more quickly. Don’t stop taking your medicine, but check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you should take any extra precautions.

5. Listen to your body

Your body will often give you signs that it’s getting too hot, so pay attention to what it’s telling you. If you feel dizzy, weak, or tired, your heart is beating rapidly, or you’re short of breath, your heart may be struggling to keep up. Stop what you’re doing and take steps to cool off. If you continue to experience symptoms such as this, seek medical attention.

If you’d like to come into the Phillips Family Medical office to get your heart health checked out at the beginning of summer, call our DeSoto, Texas, office at 972-861-1151 today to schedule an appointment, or you can book your own time with our online scheduler.