Heart Health in the Heat: How to Stay Safe and Cool this Summer
As summer approaches, bringing longer days and warmer temperatures, it's the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. However, it's also crucial to be mindful of the effects that summer heat can have on your heart. High temperatures and humidity can place extra stress on your cardiovascular system, leading to potential health risks. When you're exposed to high temperatures, your body works harder to maintain a normal internal temperature. This process involves several physiological responses. To cool down, your body increases blood flow to the skin's surface, which requires your heart to pump more blood, often leading to a higher heart rate. Sweating helps cool your body but also leads to fluid loss, and if you don't replace lost fluids, dehydration can occur, making it harder for your heart to work effectively. Additionally, sweating causes the loss of essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper heart function and mus...