Summer increases the risk of heart attack

Sweating and fatigue are common in summer. Changes in heart rate also occur during this time. People often ignore this, considering it a normal effect of the weather. However, dehydration in extreme heat can affect blood circulation, increasing the workload on the heart.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular emergencies and hospital visits increase as the heat increases. Especially the elderly and heart patients need more attention. Therefore, today in "Physical Health," we'll explore the impact of summer on the heart. We'll also explore who is at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, what habits can increase this risk, and what precautions are necessary to keep your heart healthy. What impact does rising temperatures have on the heart during summer?

As the heat increases, the body has to work harder to control its core temperature. This has the following effects on the heart:

Vasolidation (dilation of blood vessels) occurs, which can lower blood pressure.

The heart has to increase blood flow to the skin to cool the body.

When the heart is busy cooling, it has to work harder to pump blood to all organs.

Heart rate is affected when fluid and electrolytes are lost through sweat.

Overheating increases the body's oxygen needs, which can increase strain on the heart.

Does the risk of heart attack increase in summer?

Yes, in extreme heat, a lack of water and salt in the body can thicken the blood, which can:

The heart has to work harder to pump blood.

Overheating and low blood pressure can increase stress on the heart.

Those with existing cardiovascular disease are at higher risk.

Do heart attack cases increase during heat waves?

Yes, according to the European Society of Cardiology, heart attack cases increase during heat waves. Heat waves can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can:

Pressure on blood vessels increases heart rate.

Heat stroke can affect heart function.

Inadequate cooling and hydration can increase the risk.

Can dehydration increase the risk of heart attack?

Dehydration reduces blood volume in the body.

This puts more pressure on the heart to pump blood.

Thickening of the blood can increase the risk of clotting.

Electrolyte imbalance can cause irregular heartbeat.

Prolonged dehydration increases cardiovascular risk.

What are the reasons for the increase in heart attack cases during summer and heat waves?

When the heat increases, the body activates homeostasis (the process of controlling the body's core temperature).

This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Excessive sweating can lead to fluid and mineral loss.

The body's blood circulation can be affected.

Overheating can increase heart rate and oxygen demand.

Therefore, prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of heart attacks. The main reasons for increased heart attacks in summer are:

Dehydration

Blood thickening

Electrolyte imbalance

Low blood pressure

Heat stress

Heat stroke

Excessive fatigue

Who is at higher risk of heart attack in the summer?

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, does this also increase the risk of heart attack?

Yes, high blood pressure puts constant pressure on blood vessels, increasing the load on the heart.

High blood sugar levels in diabetes can cause heart failure and heart tissue damage.

Obesity increases the body's oxygen needs and cardiac workload.

All of these conditions carry a higher risk of blood clots.

What habits put extra strain on the heart in the summer and should be avoided?

These habits put extra strain on the heart:

Working for long periods of time in the hot sun without breaks.

Drinking less water and consuming caffeine or energy drinks.

Eating heavy, oily, and high-salt foods.

Staying up late at night.

Doing intense exercise or overworking.

Not controlling stress and anger.

What kind of diet should you follow for heart health in summer?

For a healthy heart, eat water-rich fruits. Such as:

Hydrating fruits – watermelon, melon, orange.

Potassium-rich foods – bananas, coconut water.

Protein – lentils, cheese, eggs.

Fiber – salads, green vegetables.

Avoid – sugary foods, fried foods, ultra-processed foods, and excess salt.