Experts Reveal Three Drinks that Could Heighten Your Risk of Heart Attack in Hot Weather.

Heatstroke, dehydration, and your heart – they’re more connected than you might think. Harvard expert reveals how to stay heart-healthy in the summer.

Long-term physical activity in hot weather often leads to overheating, which raises the risk of potentially fatal heatstrokes. However, specialists warn that it may also put a heavy strain on the heart.

Certain drinks might aggravate the problem, as they impede the movement of water from the digestive system to the blood.

Heat-induced illnesses typically manifest in three stages, beginning with muscle cramps due to loss of water and essential sodium. Dehydration then leads to heat exhaustion, setting the stage for a possible heat stroke.

Harvard Health has reported that these conditions can be particularly dangerous for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses, including heart disease. When the temperature rises, the heart works harder and beats more rapidly to assist the body in dissipating heat.

“Not only does exposure to high heat increase the risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but it can also place a particular burden on heart health,” according to Harvard Health. “This can increase the chance of heart attacks, heart arrhythmias and heart failure.”

Dr. Arron Berstein, acting director of the Centre for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, suggests that climate change could be contributing to an increased risk of cardiac issues.

He noted that climate change is causing unprecedented heat, which could be lethal, particularly for those with heart diseases.

How to protect your heart in hot weather?

In order to prevent the risk of heart problems, experts recommend drinking a minimum of eight ounces of water every 20 minutes during hot weather.

“Never wait until you’re thirsty to drink,” advises Dr. Berstein.

“Soda and fruit juice may slow the passage of water from the digestive system to the bloodstream.

“While research is limited, some studies have found that excessive alcohol intake may raise the risk for heatstroke during scorching weather.”

Certain medications can also pose a risk during high temperatures.

“For example, beta-blockers slow the heartbeat and hinder the heart’s ability to circulate blood fast enough for effective heat exchange,” according to Harvard Health.

“Diuretics (water pills) increase during output and raise the risk of dehydration.”

How to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses?

Applying sunscreen can minimize the risk of sunburns, which hinder the body’s ability to cool down and escalate dehydration, according to Harvard Health.

Heat strokes can be treated with cold water, but immediate intervention is crucial as soon as symptoms become apparent.

Failing to do so can result in irreversible damage to the brain and other essential organs, warns the Mayo Clinic.

This condition is the body’s reaction to excessive loss of water and salt due to profuse sweating.

What are the symptoms of heat illness?

The condition’s four primary indicators are headache, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.

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