Protect your heart during heat-wave season

‘If you’re outside in the heat, exerting yourself a lot, and you feel like you just have to push through what you’re doing just to finish, it’s probably time to take a break.’ Nathaniel Dittoe, MD Cardiologist

After a summer of recordhigh temperatures and more heat waves likely to come this month, it’s important not to let your guard down when it comes to staying cool.

High temperatures can worsen several heart conditions and lead to serious cardiac events, sometimes causing heart attacks.

When to suspect a cardiac event

Kettering Health cardiologist Nathaniel Dittoe, MD, says most people don’t realize when they’re experiencing a cardiac event.

“A lot of times, for an acute cardiac event, it comes on suddenly,” said Dr. Dittoe, “and the patient may never have had symptoms before.”

One example is angina, which can feel like pressure or tight squeezing in the chest. Angina occurs when the heart does not get enough blood, and high temperatures can worsen its symptoms. If you experience chest pain, Dr. Dittoe says not to put off seeking medical care.

“Patients will usually stop whatever they’re doing and sit and rest for a minute to see if the symptoms go away, but they don’t,” said Dr. Dittoe. “The symptoms do not get better.”

Other symptoms include feeling nauseated; breaking out into a cold sweat; and experiencing discomfort in the left arm, shoulder, back, neck and jaw. These symptoms should be considered red flags, the potential precursors of a heart attack.

How to prevent heatinduced heart issues

Decrease your risk of heat-related heart issues by:

■ Staying out of the sun during peak hours, between noon and 4 p.m.

■ Doing yard work and other outdoor chores in the morning or in the evening.

■ Doing your best not to overdo it if you can’t avoid working outside during these times.

Extreme heat can also worsen symptoms of arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. Along with avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours of extreme heat, those who suffer from arrhythmia should drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and wear loose-fitted clothing.

Dr. Dittoe advises everyone to take it easy in the heat.

“What I tell my patients, with or without heart conditions, is ‘listen to your body,’” said Dr. Dittoe. “If you’re outside in the heat, exerting yourself a lot, and you feel like you just have to push through what you’re doing just to finish, it’s probably time to take a break.”

If you experience any signs of a cardiac event, go to the closest emergency center. Visit ketteringhealth.org/services/emergency/ to find the one nearest to you.