When Heat Becomes a Heart Problem
Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable—for people with heart conditions, the heat can be dangerous. As temperatures climb this summer, Barstow Community Hospital is reminding the community that heat and heart health are more connected than most people realize.
“When it’s hot outside, your heart has to work harder,” said Karan P. Singh, MD, MBA, CEO of Seva Medical Group and Barstow Community Hospital Emergency Department physician. “Certain heart medications and diuretics, which drain the body of sodium, can amplify the body’s reaction to heat.”
Why Heat Stresses the Heart
Even without heart medications in the mix, the body redirects blood flow toward the skin and increases sweating—both of which make the heart pump faster and harder. For most healthy people, this isn’t an issue. But for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke, it can lead to:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Worsening heart failure symptoms
- Dehydration, which thickens the blood and raises clot risk
Know the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can look similar at first, but they require different responses.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include headaches, cool, pale skin, heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid but weak pulse. Move to a cool place and use wet compresses and fanning.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Watch for a body temperature above 103°F, hot and dry (or damp) skin, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately—heat stroke can cause organ damage or death if untreated.
For anyone with heart disease, Dr. Singh says the safest approach is to treat mild symptoms seriously rather than waiting to see if they pass.
Simple Precautions That Make a Difference
- Stay hydrated — water is best; avoid sugar and alcohol, which increase fluid loss.
- Time outdoor activity wisely — early morning or evening hours are cooler (avoid the outdoors from noon to 3 p.m.)
- Know your medications — ask your doctor if any of your prescriptions affect heat tolerance.
- Dress for the heat — lightweight, breathable, light-colored clothing and well-ventilated shoes.
- Check in on others — older adults and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk and may not recognize symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Anyone with a heart condition who feels unusually fatigued, lightheaded, or has chest discomfort during hot weather shouldn’t wait it out.
Barstow Community Hospital’s Emergency Department is available for patients are suffering from heat-related health issues, especially those managing high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of cardiac events.
Karan P. Singh, MD, MBA, is the CEO of Seva Medical Group, Barstow Community Hospital Emergency Department physician and an independent member of Barstow Community Hospital’s Medical Staff.
Source: American Heart Association
