During the summer heat, it is especially important to take care of the condition of our body, especially the cardiovascular system. Changes in temperature can have a direct effect on the blood vessels and heart. Elevated temperature can put an additional burden on the heart and blood vessels, which entails possible problems. Extreme heat can have serious consequences for heart health, especially in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. It is necessary to pay attention to the protection of our heart and blood vessels from the negative effects of the summer heat. In this article, we will look at exactly how heat affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system, how to protect yourself from the adverse effects of high temperatures and what recommendations cardiologists give to maintain health during the summer heat. One of the drugs that can help in this case is Cardioviol.
The effect of heat on the cardiovascular system
The putative physiological mechanisms of the harmful effects of heat on the heart: dehydration, hypercoagulability, electrolyte imbalance and systemic inflammatory response, can cause significant stress on the heart. Epidemiological studies have shown that heat can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
How heat affects blood vessels
Elevated air temperatures have a noticeable effect on the state of the body’s blood vessels. One of the key changes caused by heat is vasodilation – this is the body’s mechanism aimed at increasing heat dissipation through the surface of the skin. As a result of vascular dilatation, the blood supply to the skin increases, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. This process is especially noticeable in people prone to low blood pressure or hypotension. In addition, vasodilation can lead to a redistribution of blood flow, which in turn increases the load on the heart. In the heat, the veins naturally dilate for better blood flow. However, it can increase the symptoms of varicose veins and cause additional discomfort and pain.
Heart and heat
Over the past few decades, the average air temperature on the planet has increased and is expected to continue to rise. As a result of a warming climate, the number of deaths from extreme heat has increased significantly. Most mortality during extreme heat events is not primarily due to heat (i.e., solely to hyperthermia or heat stroke); According to epidemiological reports, cardiovascular events are one of the causes of most heat-related deaths. Thermoregulatory responses to heat stress include increased sweating and skin blood flow, which requires a redistribution of blood to the periphery. Such a redistribution of blood requires an increase in cardiac output, which is primarily due to an increase in heart rate (HR). This progressive increase in heart rate indicates an increase in the load on the heart.
For a healthy person, such an adaptive response is rarely dangerous. However, for people with pre-existing heart problems, such as arrhythmias or heart failure, increased heart function in the heat can be dangerous. For such patients, the risk of exacerbation of existing heart problems increases. The strain on the cardiovascular system caused by prolonged exposure to heat stress contributes to poor health when performing daily activities or even at rest, especially in the elderly.
Cardiologist’s advice: how to live in the heat
How to improve well-being on hot days?
On hot days, it is especially important to monitor your well-being and take steps to maintain a comfortable state of the body. First, it is necessary to ensure adequate drinking. Increased moisture loss through sweat can lead to dehydration, which has a negative impact on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, you should drink more fluids, preferably water, and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can aggravate dehydration.
- It is also important to avoid physical activity during periods of highest temperatures. If you need to play sports or do physical work, prefer a cooler time of day – morning or late evening. This will help to avoid overheating of the body and unnecessary stress on the heart.
- Proper nutrition also plays an important role. In the heat, the body spends more energy regulating temperature, so you should prefer light, easily digestible foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Very fatty and heavy meals can worsen well-being and additionally burden the digestive system.
- Give preference to lightweight, loose clothing made from natural materials, which will help reduce the risk of overheating and provide a more comfortable feeling even in hot weather. In addition, do not forget about sun protection – wear hats and use sunscreen to minimize the effects of ultraviolet rays on the body.
How to protect the heart and blood vessels from the heat?
The heart in the heat needs special protection and careful care. In order to minimize the negative effects of high temperatures on the cardiovascular system, a number of recommendations should be followed. First of all, maintain an optimal level of hydration. This will help prevent dehydration, which can increase the risk of blood clots and impair heart function.
- Provide a comfortable environment for sleeping and resting on hot days.
- Use an air conditioner or fan to maintain a comfortable room temperature.
- If you want to spend time outside, prefer a cooler time of day, such as morning or evening.
- Dress lightly and loosely to limit overheating of the body.
Drugs for the heart in the heat
During the summer heat, it is especially important to pay attention to the health of the cardiovascular system. To maintain the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels, special drugs may be required. Meanwhile, there are no clear clinical guidelines on how to treat heart disease during heat waves, highlighting the need to consult a cardiologist or other health professionals. These specialists will offer drugs for the heart aimed at maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating heart rhythm and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
One of these drugs is Cardioviol, which is often recommended by doctors and pharmacists for patients with heart problems. This drug helps to stabilize the heart rhythm, reduces the load on the heart and stabilizes the state of blood vessels. Cardioviol can be especially useful in the hot season, when the risk of stress on the heart increases.
It is important to note that the selection and use of drugs for the heart in the heat should be carried out only after consulting a doctor. Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess your condition and recommend the most suitable drug, taking into account all individual characteristics and risks. Uncontrolled use of drugs can have negative consequences for your health.
In conclusion
Summer heat has a significant impact on the condition of the heart and blood vessels, requiring special attention and health care. Vasodilation, increased stress on the heart, and loss of moisture through sweat are all factors that can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in elevated temperatures.
However, following the recommendations of cardiologists, you can protect the heart and blood vessels from the negative effects of heat. Maintain an optimal level of hydration, avoid excessive exercise during the peak heat, pay attention to proper nutrition and provide a comfortable environment for sleep and rest. Remember the importance of consulting your doctor before using any medications to maintain heart health on hot days.
Literature.
1. Cottle, R. M., Fisher, K. G., Wolf, S. T. & Kenney, W. L. J. Appl. Physiol. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00222.2023 (2023).
2. Henderson, M. E. T., Brayson, D. & Halsey, L. G. Physiol. Rep. 9, e14973 (2021).
3. Liu, J. et al. Lancet Planet. Health 6, E484–E495 (2022).
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
