Heat Waves May Double Risk of Heart Attack

When temperatures soar, most people think about the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. But one of the most serious dangers of extreme heat is its effect on your heart. Hot, humid weather forces your cardiovascular system to work much harder, increasing the risk of a heart attack, particularly for people who already have heart disease or other health conditions.

Your body relies on your heart to help keep you cool. As your temperature rises, your blood vessels widen and your heart pumps faster to move blood toward your skin, where heat can escape. At the same time, you lose fluids through sweat. If you become dehydrated, your blood volume drops, making your heart work even harder while increasing the likelihood of blood clotting. That combination can put significant strain on the heart and, in some cases, trigger a heart attack.

One study found that the higher the temp, the higher the threat. Researchers looked at cardiovascular death rates in Kuwait, where daytime temperatures can reach triple digits in its hottest periods, and found that most cardiovascular deaths happened when it was between 95 to 109 degrees. The American Heart Association’s research found that the risk of dying from a heart attack death doubled when high heat is paired with poor air quality especially in older adults and women.

While anyone can be affected, people at highest risk include adults over 65, those with coronary artery disease, heart failure or high blood pressure, people with diabetes or obesity, and anyone taking medications that affect hydration or the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Outdoor workers and people who exercise during the hottest parts of the day are also at increased risk.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can make a big difference:

• Stay well hydrated and protected from the sun (sunburn increases dehydration!)
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat
• Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible
• On days when both temperatures and air pollution are high, consider moving limiting time outside

As always, pay attention to symptoms like chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or pain that spreads to the arm, jaw or back, and seek emergency medical care immediately if they occur.