Heat and high humidity increase heart risk

Hospitalist Chris Hancock, M.D., has been on the job at Western Baptist Hospital for only a week, but he has already seen several patients with heat-related conditions.

“I’ve probably already seen five or six heat-related admissions,” Dr. Hancock said. “People are going outside and doing a lot of rigorous activity and not realizing how dangerous the heat can be.”

The American Heart Association warns that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and stroke, and it increases the risk of heart attacks in people with risk factors for heart disease. When high humidity is factored in, problems can occur quicker and be more severe. 

People, especially children and seniors, are urged to limit outside activity when the temperature is above 70 degrees with humidity more than 70 percent. During hot summer months, outdoor activities should be limited to cooler times of the day.

Dr. Hancock said everyone should avoid the heat, if possible. If it is necessary to be outdoors, he recommends taking frequent breaks, drinking plenty of water and sports drinks and avoiding alcohol because it can cause dehydration.

Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal, especially for seniors with pre-existing health conditions. Warning signs of heat exhaustion and potential heat stroke include:

• Excessive heavy sweating
• Cold, clammy skin
• Feeling dizzy or fainting
• Rapid weak pulse
• Muscle cramping
• Vomiting, nausea or both

To speak with a registered nurse at Western Baptist, phone the free Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918 or the Chest Pain and Stroke Hotline at 1-800-575-1911.