With a rising temperature and excessive sweating, our body needs extra fluids to compensate for the loss. And to maintain the body temperature, the heart needs to pump blood at a faster rate. But damaged or weakened hearts find the process difficult. Those people who have these (damaged or weakened heart) hearts are at increased risk of arrhythmias, heatstroke, angina, and heart attack. These may get fatal too. 

Summer tips for a healthy heart

Drink adequate water – Dehydration may cause atrial fibrillation and stroke. Summer grounds excess water loss from the body, hence it becomes important to drink adequate water and stay hydrated. You can have liquids or fluids in the form of water, coconut water, juices, and soups. With our busy schedules, we often tend to forget to drink water timely. For this, you can keep a timer alert that reminds you to drink water.

Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages – Excess consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated products might trigger dehydration in summer. In heart patients, dehydration may cause thickening of the blood which can lead to blockage. These patients can take green tea, pomegranate juice, tomato juice, orange juices, etc.

Eat healthy fats but big ‘NO’ to trans fats – Trans-fat raises the risk of developing heart diseases. Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower the good cholesterol (HDL). You can have saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Trans fats are present in processed foods, fried foods, and snack foods. Hence avoid these.

Eat lots of green veggies and fruits – Fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients that lower the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that prevent the building up of fat in the inner walls of arteries. A bowl of fruits and a healthy lifestyle is necessary to keep heart diseases at bay.

Limit outdoor activities – It is good to exercise outside but not during summer, it can put a strain on your heart. Do all your physical exercises such as brisk walking, running, and gardening either in the early morning or late evening. It is advisable to stay indoors during peak hours which are 10 am -5 pm. Try to wear light-colored lightweight breathable fabric like cotton while doing exercises. 

Closely observe your body – If you feel weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or muscle cramps that don't go after taking medicines or adequate rest, do consult the nearest registered medical practitioner. These are the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be a medical emergency.

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)