When the heat rises, so do heart risks: What you need to know
Revisado por pares por Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Lawrence HigginsPublicado originalmente 8 Jul 2025
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Heat waves and high temperatures brings health risks. The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued warnings about taking extra precautions to stay safe in high temperatures. Find out how to help yourself stay cool and healthy here.
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Can you die from the heat?
The AHA suggests extreme heat can be dangerous - even deadly - especially for people with existing heart disease. According to the UK Health Security Agency 10,000 people died due to heat related causes between 2020 and 2024 in the UK.
A study published in the AHA’s, peer-reviewed journal Circulation predicts that cardiovascular disease deaths related to extreme heat may more than double over the next two decades.
Heart medicines and the heat
Volver al contenidoHeat and dehydration make your heart work harder, putting it under significant stress. This can be particularly problematic for those with heart conditions and older adults.
Certain heart medicines can exaggerate the body’s response to heat, these include:
Ace receptor blockers and inhibitors.
Bloqueadores de los canales de calcio.
If you have been prescribed these medicines, the AHA says you should take extra precautions during heat waves but continue to take your medicines unless told otherwise by your healthcare professional.
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Precautions to take during the hot days of summer
Volver al contenidoThere are various measures you can take to help your heart stay safer in the high temperatures - these include:
Watching the clock - it’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon, around noon to 3 pm, because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
Dressing for the heat - wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat.
Staying hydrated - drinking a few cups of water before, during, and after going outside or exercising. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
Take regular breaks - find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Volver al contenidoIt’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be having too much heat.
The main symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
Dolores de cabeza.
Cool, pale, and moist skin.
Fast, weak pulse.
Dizziness and light-headedness.
Weakness or muscle cramps.
Feeling sick and vomiting.
Passing out.
If you have these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising, and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and rehydrating. You may need to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of heat stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. if you experience these symptoms call 999 in the UK or 9-1-1 in the US for an ambulance straight away. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
High body temperature - 40C or higher.
Hot, red, dry, or damp skin.
Fast, strong pulse.
Headache, dizziness, and confusion.
Náuseas.
Passing out.
While being heart-smart in the heat, it’s still important to find ways for the whole family to stay active even during the high temperatures of summer. Adjusting your activity time to early morning or later in the evening can help. If being outside is too much on some days, find indoor locations where you can be active, such as a shopping centre, gym, or community leisure centre.
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About the author
Lawrence Higgins
Managing editor
BSc, Post Graduate Diploma
As managing editor of Patient.info Lawrence looks after all of our features and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Médico General, Autor Médico
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
Historial del artículo
La información en esta página es revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
Next review due: 8 Jul 2028
8 Jul 2025 | Publicado originalmente
Escrito por:
Lawrence HigginsRevisado por pares por
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
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