10 Tips to manage in Warmer weather

How to manage in warmer weather

Anyone can find warmer weather difficult to cope with, but if you have a heart condition you might find the heat can have an effect on your symptoms and/ or how you feel. 

When the weather is warm, your heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the surface of your skin to assist with sweating to cool your body. 

When you sweat to cool down you lose more fluid than usual, which can sometimes lower blood pressure and increase heart rate.

You might find that you need to rest more during warmer weather because your heart is working harder to keep you cool. Try to find a cool room and wear light comfortable clothing. Sometimes medications for heart conditions can reduce the body’s ability to cool when it is warm. It is advisable to try to reduce the time you are outside in the sun, try to keep indoors and as cool as possible. 

Fluids during warmer weather.

It is important to always check with your GP or cardiologist for advice if you are on a fluid restriction and you’re concerned about your fluid intake during warmer weather.

The simplest way to know if you are drinking enough is to check the colour of your urine. If it is dark yellow you probably need to seek advice but pale and straw coloured suggests you are drinking enough. 

Maintaining your intake of fluid is particularly if you have been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), advice is to drink at least 2L of water, particularly in the warmer weather ( unless you have been advised differently by your clinical team).”

During warm weather try to take frequent sips of fluids like water, and try to reduce caffeine-based drinks, as they can make you more dehydrated. Fluids found within foods can also help keep you hydrated. These can include ice lollies, jellies, yoghurts, milky puddings, soups & stews. Fruits and vegetables, such as melon, tomatoes and cucumber, are also good sources of fluid.

You may need to speak to your GP or heart nurse if you are taking diuretics and you are concerned about safe levels of fluid intake during a period of hot weather. 

The main risks during a heatwave (when the daytime temperature reaches 30 degrees) and hot weather are, dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

10 tips for managing in warmer weather 

1. Try and stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm if you are vulnerable to the effects of warmer weather.
2. Shut your windows and keep curtains, blinds or shutters closed when it is hot outside. You can open the windows for ventilation during the cooler parts of the day.
3. Try having slightly cooler water in your shower or bath. Sometimes splashing yourself with cool water can help to cool your skin.
4. Drink cooler drinks regularly, such as water or diluted fruit juice. Try to avoid drinking alcohol and drinks high in caffeine or sugar.
5. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies of drinks, food and any medications you need.
6. Identify the coolest room in the house so you can go there to keep cool.
7. Wear loose clothing, a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors. Sit outside during cooler hours and try to remain in the shade.
8. Limit physical activity during the hottest parts of the day and do light exercise during the cooler hours.
9. Eat light meals; avoid hot heavy meals and reduce the use of your oven to keep your rooms cooler.
10. Some medications can increase your risk for heat stress, ask your pharmacist if any of your medications could increase your risk.