Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

When the Weather Heats Up, Stay Cool for Your Heart

Summer means more time to do the activities you love, such as taking long early morning walks or working in the garden. But it’s important to be aware of the temperature outside.

That’s because heart failure places you at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can’t regulate its temperature.

Older man outdoors with water bottle

Why is your risk higher? In heart failure, the cardiovascular and nervous systems don’t work as they should. Research suggests that this affects the body’s ability to maintain temperature control. Also, medicines used to treat heart conditions may make it harder for your body to cool itself by perspiring.

Watch for warning signs

Heat stroke is an emergency. Those suffering symptoms need to move to a cool place and get medical help right away. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • A body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)

  • Red, hot, dry, or damp skin

  • A rapid, strong pulse

  • A throbbing headache

  • Dizziness, nausea, or confusion

  • Unconsciousness

A little prevention goes a long way

You can guard against heat stroke by:

  • Being aware. Ask your healthcare provider if the medicines you take make you more likely to get heat-related illness.

  • Drinking plenty of fluids each day. Don’t have drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or lots of sugar. If your provider limits your liquids, ask how much you should drink when it’s hot.

  • Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

  • Staying in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does have not air conditioning, go to a mall, the movies, or a friend’s house. Spending a few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

  • Taking a cool shower or bath.

Online Medical Reviewer: McDonough, Brian, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2019
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.