LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Studies have shown that extreme heat can double or triple the number of deaths from heart disease.
This is a concern even for healthy people, but especially if you have a chronic illness or take heart medications, and doctors offer some precautions to keep in mind:
“I love hot weather,” Renee Williams said while touring the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
While some people thrive in the heat, they can sometimes forget the toll that heat can take on our bodies.
“They get pretty cranky, especially when they get dehydrated,” said Neveah, another tourist from Chicago.
“When you’re exposed to heat and humidity, it’s easy to become dehydrated,” says Dr. Carlos Gonzalez-Lengua of the Cleveland Clinic.
In hot weather, your body has to work harder to pump blood to keep your body temperature normal, which puts extra strain on many organs, including your heart.
“That means the heart beats faster than normal and sometimes inflammation gets worse,” Gonzalez said.
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Extreme heat can affect anyone’s heart, but older people and those with underlying heart conditions are especially at risk.
It’s also important to remember that certain blood pressure medications and other medications can increase your risk of dehydration, so try to avoid spending too much time outdoors in the sun.
“You need to take breaks, drink water and get into the shade when you can,” says Brett Cione of New York.
To avoid issues during a heatwave, Gonzalez said people should try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, if possible.
“There are a lot of air conditioners nearby, so we rely on them,” Never said.
Gonzalez said to think about going somewhere cooler.
“If you really want to get out of the house, go to the mall, the grocery store, your local pool, and make sure you stay hydrated,” he said.
If you start to feel fatigued on a hot day, it’s important to find ways to cool down quickly and drink plenty of water, Gonzalez says.
If you start experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, don’t hesitate to call 911.
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