Summer heat is just around the corner. Exercising is important for a healthy lifestyle; however, in the heat, it can be dangerous.
In the heat, the heart has to beat faster and pump blood to the surface of the skin to aid with sweating and cooling. Sweating also dehydrates the body, making the heart strain more to pump thicker blood. Exercising increases the body’s need for oxygenated blood and further causes dehydration in the body. Both actions can increase the stress on the heart.
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND STROKE
Exercising in high temperatures can cause your body to overheat, called heat exhaustion. Symptoms include heavy sweating with cool skin, fatigue, nausea, fainting, and dark urine. If you feel heat exhaustion coming on, take immediate action to cool down because heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke.
Heat stroke is an emergency where your body overheats and causes damage to organs. Symptoms include high fever, racing pulse, hot, dry skin without sweating, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, and seizures. Immediately get out of the heat and seek medical attention. Anyone can suffer heat stroke, but heart disease and related health problems increase the risk.
EXERCISE SAFE IN THE HEAT
When exercising during the summer, avoid high heat or exercise inside and drink plenty of water or drinks with electrolytes to balance your body’s hydration. If you have any heart health complication, work with the doctors at Carolina Heart and Leg Center, P.A. to set up a safe exercise routine this summer.
The doctors at Carolina Heart & Leg, P.A. can give tips and recommendations for exercise in the heat. They will be able to help create a plan for you to stay safe while keeping your heart healthy. Contact us at 910-491-1760 to schedule an appointment.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.CarolinaHeartAndLeg.com.
