Why Heat Matters for Heart Health
As temperatures rise, your heart works harder to keep your body cool. Heat, dehydration, and poor air quality can increase strain on your heart, especially if you already have a medical condition. Knowing the warning signs can help you stay safe and seek care early.
Hot weather causes your heart to pump more blood and increases your heart rate. Dehydration can lower blood pressure and make it harder for your body to function properly. Together, these stressors can raise the risk of serious events like heart attack or stroke.
Know the Warning Signs Watch for early symptoms of heat-related illness:
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Seek emergency care right away if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Fainting or severe symptoms
Who Is Most at Risk
- Older adults
- People with heart disease or high blood pressure
- Individuals who are taking certain medications
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Dr. Georgianne Valli-Hardwood
BHS Cardiologist
“Most people’s blood pressure is completely silent. And it’s silent all the way up until the very highest levels, and only at the very highest levels would you ever have a symptom – shortness of breath, headaches. It’s important to check your blood pressure to get the bigger picture of your overall health.”
Berkshire Health Program, PCTV, “Dr. Georgianne Valli-Hardwood, a BHS Cardiologist, Discusses the Hidden Danger of Hypertension.”
How to Protect Yourself Simple steps can help reduce your risk:
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty
- Check weather conditions: Monitor weather and air quality before going outside (CDC Heat & Health Infographic)
- Plan your day: Limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day
- Dress for the heat: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and sun protection
- Review medications: Some medications affect how your body responds to heat
Stay Safe at Home Your environment also plays a key role:
- Keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning
- Close blinds or curtains during peak heat
- Spend time in cooler or shaded areas
- Avoid heat from cooking, opt for lighter or no-cook meals
- Take cool showers or use damp cloths to lower body temperature
- Set reminders to drink water
- Check in on family, neighbors, and older adults who may need extra support
Get the Right Care at the Right Time If symptoms develop, choose the level of care that matches your needs:
- Primary Care: Questions or mild symptoms.
- Urgent Care: Ongoing dizziness, dehydration, or moderate symptoms
- Emergency Department: Chest pain, fainting, or severe symptoms
| EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (CALL 911 OR GO NOW) | URGENT CARE | PRIMARY CARE |
| Chest pain, fainting, or severe symptoms | Ongoing dizziness, dehydration, or moderate symptoms | Questions or mild symptoms |
Protect Your Heart This Summer Heat-related illness can escalate quickly, but with awareness and a few simple precautions, you can stay safe. Listen to your body, take symptoms seriously, and don’t hesitate to seek care.