Summer heat obliges the heart to work harder, to increase the risk of heart events, says the expert

The extreme summer heat can weigh heavily on the body and the mind.

The temperature rise may have a serious impact on heart health in particular – especially for people with pre -existing conditions.

Adedapo Iluyomade, MD, cardiologist of the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, which is part of Baptist Health South Florida, noted that hot weather makes the heart harder.

4 tips for spending a better sleep night during stifling summer temperatures

“When our body warms up, the blood vessels near the skin widen and send more blood to the outside to help us refresh us,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“To maintain stable blood pressure, the heart accelerates and works harder, increasing its oxygen request.”

Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attacks, warn experts. (istock)

The heat puts additional pressure on the heart and can cause dehydration or thickening of the blood, which can trigger symptoms or events, according to Iluyomade.

The cardiologist has referred to a recent analysis of more than 6,000 cases of heat exposure, which revealed that “even small increases” at central temperature can increase the heart rate by almost 30 beats per minute.

The extreme heat affects the brain – here is how to protect your cognitive health

“Studies show that each increase in temperature by 1 ° C increases the risk of cardiovascular death by around 2%, and heat waves considerably increase the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and irregular rhythms,” he said.

“(It’s) enough to cause silent heart attacks in people with preexisting coronary disease.”

People with heart disease should be aware of the increase in temperatures and the resulting symptoms, advise doctors. (istock)

Certain heart medications can also “exaggerate” the way the body reacts to heat, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

For those who live with heart disease – such as coronary disease, heart failure, arrhythmic hypertension or arrhythmias – Iluyomade recommends taking precautions during the summer months.

Click here to obtain the Fox News app

To avoid a heart event, it is preferable to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, staying hydrated (including electrolytes) and staying in fresh and shaded areas, the cardiologist said.

Cardiologists recommend staying hydrated and costs to avoid heart events during hot summer months. (istock)

Even people who do not have existing heart problems should pay attention to the warning signs of heat-related heart stress.

“Monitor the worrying signs such as the waterproofing of the chest, the increase in shortness of breath, the heart of the race, the swelling of the legs or the feelings of the fainting,” advised Iluyomade.

Click here to register for our Health Newsletter

Other red flags may include unusual feelings of fatigue, a feeling of crush even during periods of rest, dizziness, nausea or confusion.

“(It’s) enough to cause silent heart attacks in people with preexisting coronary disease.”

The AHA also notes additional signs of heat stroke, including high body temperature (103 degrees fahrenheit or more) and hot, red, dry or humid skin.

For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Iluyomade concluded: “Keep hydrated, take breaks in air -conditioned or shaded places, avoid intensive efforts during noon and wear light and breathable clothes to help your heart manage summer heat.”