HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BS

Community Health Educator

Protect Your Heart In The Heat

Whatever brings you outside this summer, it’s important to stay safe and healthy as the heat rises. According to the American Heart Association, heat can be hard on your heart. If you are a heart patient older than 55, overweight, have high blood pressure, or are on certain medications, you may need to take special precautions in the heat.

Certain medications such as beta blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics can exaggerate the body’s response to the heat. Even if you are not on medications, seniors need to take extra precautions in the heat. When the temperature rises, getting enough to drink is important even if you are just sitting outside…and it is critical to heart health.

Staying hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through vessels to the muscles. This helps the muscles work more efficiently. Remember, if you are well hydrated your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Dehydration (lack of bodily fluids) can lead to problems ranging from swollen feet and ankles to headaches, and even life threatening illness such as heat stroke.

A common misconception is that thirst is your best indicator that you need to drink. According to a study at the Mayo Clinic, if you are thirsty – you are already dehydrated. M. Batson, MD of this study says, “Drinking water before you go out in the heat is an important first step. Otherwise you are playing catch-up and your heart is straining to keep up.” It is also best to avoid drinks containing caffeine which is a known diuretic that can cause you to lose fluids.

Think you’re ready to brave the heat? It is best to avoid the outdoors between 12-3 p.m. when the sun is usually the strongest. This time of day is the most likely to put you at risk for heat related illness.

Remember to:

• Dress for the heat with lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Choose well ventilated shoes and socks that repel perspiration.
• Take regular breaks in some shade or go inside.

Whatever you decide to do in the heat, keep in mind these symptoms of serious heat related illnesses.

• Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
  • Headaches
  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, moist skin, chills
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • A weak or rapid pulse
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fast, shallow breathing
  • Nausea, vomiting or both

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place and cool down as soon as possible by dousing yourself with cool water and rehydrating.

• Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
  • Warm, dry skin
  • Strong, rapid pulse
  • Confusion and/or unconsciousness
  • High fever
  • Throbbing headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention immediately!

For more information, visit heart.org or mayoclinic.org, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.