Nine golden rules to protect your heart during hot summer weather

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
ANKARA, TURKEY — Rising summer temperatures can place extra strain on the heart, making hydration, medication control and early attention to warning signs especially important.

Associate Professor Ferhat Işık from the Cardiology Department of Memorial Dicle Hospital said hot weather can affect not only daily comfort but also cardiovascular health. People with cardiovascular disease, heart failure and hypertension may face greater risks during periods of intense heat, because the heart must work harder to help the body maintain its temperature balance.

Why hot weather puts pressure on the heart

When temperatures rise, the body tries to cool itself by widening blood vessels and increasing sweating. This natural response helps release heat, but it also causes fluid and electrolyte loss.

As the body loses water and minerals, blood pressure may fall, heart rhythm may become irregular and the kidneys may be affected. The heart must pump more actively to meet the body’s needs under these conditions.

Işık said this is why symptoms that appear during summer should not be ignored. Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, sudden fatigue or reduced exercise capacity may signal a problem, especially in people with an existing heart condition.

Older adults, people with hypertension, patients with heart failure and those taking regular heart medication should be particularly careful during hot days.

Drink water before feeling thirsty

One of the most important steps in protecting heart health during summer is regular water intake. Waiting until thirst appears may not be enough, especially in hot and humid weather.

Işık recommended drinking water regularly throughout the day. In general, an average daily intake of around 3 liters may be needed in summer, depending on age, activity level, climate and health condition.

However, this advice should be individualized. Patients with heart failure should follow their doctor’s specific guidance about fluid intake. For some patients, excessive fluid consumption may also create problems.

Insufficient fluid intake can contribute to low blood pressure, palpitations, weakness and impaired kidney function. For this reason, people with chronic heart disease should discuss their summer fluid plan with their physician.

Avoid the hottest hours of the day

The sun and heat are usually strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, unnecessary outdoor activity should be avoided whenever possible.

People who must go outside should try to stay in shaded areas and use protective items such as hats, sunglasses and umbrellas. Light-colored, loose and breathable clothing can also help the body stay cooler.

Clothing choices may seem simple, but they can reduce the body’s heat burden. Dark, tight or heavy clothing can increase sweating and discomfort, which may indirectly increase strain on the cardiovascular system.

For older adults and heart patients, avoiding direct heat exposure during peak hours is one of the easiest but most effective precautions.

Exercise at the right time

Exercise is important for heart health, but timing becomes critical in summer. Physical activity during very hot hours can increase the risk of dehydration, blood pressure changes and excessive cardiac strain.

Işık advised choosing early morning or cooler evening hours for walking, light exercise or outdoor activity. Activities requiring sudden or heavy effort should be avoided in intense heat.

Gardening, carrying heavy loads, long outdoor work and high-intensity sports may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals. These activities should be planned carefully, limited when necessary and interrupted with frequent rest breaks.

People should stop exercising immediately if they feel chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness or unusual palpitations. Medical help should be sought if symptoms continue or appear severe.

Limit salt, caffeine and alcohol

Diet also plays an important role in summer heart health. Heavy, salty and fatty meals may increase the body’s burden in hot weather.

Excessive salt intake can make blood pressure harder to control. In people with heart failure, too much salt may cause fluid retention, swelling and worsening shortness of breath.

A lighter and more balanced diet is recommended during summer. Meals rich in vegetables, fruits, yogurt, lean proteins and fluids can help support the body without creating unnecessary strain.

Alcohol and excessive caffeine should also be limited. These drinks may increase fluid loss and may contribute to palpitations or rhythm disturbances in some people. Patients with hypertension, arrhythmia or heart failure should be especially cautious.

Take warning signs seriously

Symptoms that appear in hot weather are sometimes dismissed as ordinary fatigue. But for people with heart disease, certain signs should be taken seriously.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, dizziness or a clear decline in exercise tolerance may require urgent medical evaluation.

In patients with heart failure, sudden weight gain, swelling in the legs, worsening breathlessness or difficulty breathing at night may indicate a change in fluid balance.

Işık emphasized that people should not delay seeking medical care when these symptoms appear. Early evaluation can prevent more serious complications.

Patients with known cardiovascular disease should continue their regular check-ups, use medications as prescribed and monitor any unusual changes during the summer months.

Monitor blood pressure if using medication

High temperatures can cause blood pressure changes in people with hypertension. In some cases, vessel dilation and fluid loss may lower blood pressure. In others, dehydration, salt intake, stress or irregular medication use may worsen blood pressure control.

People taking blood pressure medication should measure their blood pressure regularly during summer. Unusual high or low readings should be discussed with a doctor.

Heart and blood pressure medications should never be stopped or changed without medical advice. Feeling weak or noticing lower readings during hot days is not a reason to adjust medication independently.

Treatment plans must be changed only after medical evaluation, especially in patients using multiple cardiovascular drugs.

Healthy people should also respect summer heat

Summer heat does not affect only people with known heart disease. Even healthy individuals can experience additional cardiovascular strain when exposed to intense heat, dehydration and heavy physical activity.

Older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those taking regular medication and individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease should take simple precautions before symptoms develop.

The main rules are clear: drink water regularly, avoid peak heat hours, wear appropriate clothing, exercise at cooler times, limit heavy physical activity, eat lightly, reduce salt, alcohol and excess caffeine, monitor blood pressure and take warning signs seriously.

Işık said protecting heart health in summer depends on listening to the body’s signals and following medical guidance when needed.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. People with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe palpitations, sudden swelling or abnormal blood pressure readings should seek medical care without delay.

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