Protecting heart health is very important for both healthy individuals and people diagnosed with heart disease. Heart diseases can be prevented to a large extent by improving lifestyle.
As you know, summer is ahead. Hot days are waiting for us. The risk of death from heart diseases increases in extremely hot weather. For this reason, we should pay more attention to our health, especially heart health, during this period.
How is our heart affected by extremely hot weather?
Our body does this to keep its normal temperature constant. In this case, he/she sweats excessively. This creates a serious fluid loss. However, blood pressure changes may occur. Usually, sudden drops in blood pressure and rarely increases in blood pressure occur. Again, the heartbeat may accelerate and arrhythmia may occur. With fluid loss, blood density increases and fluidity decreases. In this case, it may cause sudden vascular occlusion. Cholesterol may rise. Sudden increases or decreases in blood sugar may occur depending on the neurohormonal responses of our body to hot weather.
All these changes increase the risk of heart attack.
Our heart rate increases. How do we protect ourselves from the negative effects of hot weather?
First of all, it is very important to drink water. If possible, the water bottle should be in front of our eyes. If we do not like drinking water, we can add flavorful natural products such as mint, apple, cinnamon sticks and lemon. We should avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks. These drinks not only trigger blood pressure and pulse changes, but also dehydrate the body due to their diuretic effects. In addition to water, we can also drink mineral water to replace the minerals we lose through sweat. However, we should not forget that too much can increase our blood pressure. We should not exceed 2 small mineral water bottles. We can also consume herbal teas by cooling them and mixing them with ice or mineral water.
The clothes we wear are also important in protecting heart health during this period. Made of light-textured fabric that is breathable, quick-drying, does not get too tight, and usually contains cotton or linen. We should prefer working clothes. We can change our clothes during the day if necessary. Wearing a hat when going out can partially protect us from the harmful effects of the sun.
So, at what hours should we go out? If possible, we should not be outside between 11-16, which are the hours when the sun is most effective. If we have to go out at these hours, let's use a hat and sunglasses. Let's try to be in the shade. If possible, let's keep a water bottle with us. Let's not forget to drink water frequently.
We can also exercise in the summer months. However, let's be careful not to be in closed and hot environments. If possible, we can do it in the cool weather in the morning or in the evening. We can exercise outdoors or in well-cooled environments. The clothes we wear should be suitable for the exercise we do. Let's not forget to drink plenty of water during and after exercise. We can take short showers after exercise and during the day. Taking a shower with very hot or very cold water is not recommended as it may disrupt blood pressure and pulse balance.
Very heavy and hot foods should not be eaten during this period. Eating too much puts an excessive strain on our heart. Light, fibrous, easy-to-digest meals should be preferred.
Alcohol and cigarettes are harmful in this season, as in every season. Consumption is not recommended.
When should we consult a doctor?
People who have previously been diagnosed with heart disease should have their check-ups postponed after the holidays. They shouldn't let go. Medications and doses may need to be changed due to seasonal changes. It would also be appropriate for patients to monitor their own blood pressure during the summer period. If there is a change in blood pressure and pulse, it would be beneficial for them to consult their doctor.
Healthy individuals should consult a doctor without delay if they have complaints such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, or feeling faint.
Health is our most valuable asset. Health is the beginning of everything. It should be at the top of our life's priorities list. It cannot be neglected. Let's take care of ourselves, our health, our hearts. Always I wish all of us a nice summer.
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