MercyOne experts share how you can protect your heart in the heat

Waterloo, July 26, 2023 – With temperatures across the state expected to reach more than 90 degrees this week, it’s important to keep your heart safe in the heat.

When it gets hot outside, your heart has to beat faster and pump harder to help your body shed heat. “If your body is unable to cool itself, strain is put on the heart and organs can suffer damage,” said Irmela Salihovic, ARNP, at MercyOne Waterloo Heart Care.

With temperatures and heat indexes rising, anyone can suffer from heat stroke. But Salihovic said people with heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases are at greater risk since their hearts may not be able to maintain cooler body temperatures in the heat. In addition, certain medications prescribed to patients with heart conditions reduce water in the bloodstream and can reduce a person’s ability to cool off.

“If you have been prescribed diuretics or beta-blockers, ask your provider how much water to drink for hot conditions versus milder temperatures and listen to your body,” Salihovic said.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If you experience the following symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and use cool wet cloths, compresses and fanning. You may also need to seek medical attention:

• Heavy sweating with cool, moist/clammy skin
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches and/or weakness
• Dark urine

Heat stroke is an emergency. If you experience the following, apply cool water to your skin immediately and seek medical help by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency department.

• High fever (temperature above 104 F)
• Hot, dry, red skin without sweating
• Pounding pulse
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Extreme confusion or dizziness
• Unconsciousness or seizures