The hot summers in Canada can induce heart attacks and strokes in individuals who are at risk of heart disease.
Summer is here and it is bringing people outside to be active; however, it is important to keep our heart safe when the temperatures rise.
Here are some tips from the Heart Fit Clinic to help educate people to prevent hot weather heart disease.
1. First thing is to make sure your fitness is up to par for the activity you wish to engage in. Work slowly and get your fitness level up over the warm days.
2. Make sure people warm up and cool down after activities. Gradually bring your heart rate up and gradually bring your heart rate down for activities.
3. Hydration is key. When people are thirsty it is too late. This is already a big symptom of heat exhaustion. When people experience heat exhaustion, it makes people’s hearts weaker putting them at risk for a heart attack. Heat exhaustion can leave peoples hearts weak along with rapid pulses. People can also experience fast and shallow breathing, muscle cramps and/or dizziness and nausea.
4. Dress for the heat. Wear loose and breathable clothing, wearing a hat, and sunglasses. This includes good footwear and socks.
5. Pay attention to how you feel. Take regular breaks or even try to be active near dawn or dusk to minimize the hottest point of the day.
6. Most important is to understand cardiovascular risk. Yes, high blood pressure and diabetes should be controlled with general physicians, however people can still be on the path of a heart attack or stroke.