Cardiologists Warn of Heart Risks During Summer Heat

Medical experts say extreme summer temperatures increase the workload on the heart. Hot, humid conditions cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger excessive sweating, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss. The resulting drop in blood pressure can force the heart to pump faster, raising the risk of heart attacks, serious rhythm disturbances, and sudden cardiac events, especially for people with coronary artery disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, the elderly and those on heart medication.

Doctors advise staying well‑hydrated, avoiding outdoor exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., limiting strenuous activity, wearing light‑coloured cotton clothing, using hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade. Patients should keep their prescribed medicines unchanged without a doctor’s guidance, review medication doses during hot weather, and carry a phone with emergency contacts. Reducing alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding alcohol‑laden drinks while swimming or sunbathing, are also recommended to prevent dehydration and additional cardiac strain.