Heatwaves and Heart Health: Staying Prepared During Hot Weather

The UK is changing.

Long, hot summers are becoming more common, and periods of extreme heat are no longer unusual. Most of us think about sunscreen, staying hydrated and keeping cool.

What we don’t often think about is the extra strain hot weather places on the heart.

Why heat matters

Our bodies work hard to maintain a safe, internal temperature. When it’s hot, the heart pumps harder to move blood closer to the skin and help cool the body.

For most people, that’s not a problem.

For those living with heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, however, the additional workload, combined with dehydration, can increase the strain on the heart and the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

It doesn’t mean people should worry every time the temperature rises. It does mean it’s worth thinking about being prepared.

Just as many households keep smoke alarms, first aid kits and carbon monoxide detectors, for some people, a Personal Defibrillator is becoming another part of their emergency preparedness.

Looking after yourself

Simple precautions can make a real difference during hot weather:

Stay well hydrated
Keep your home cool
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
Wear lightweight clothing
Check on older relatives, neighbours and anyone living with a heart condition

Small decisions made early often prevent bigger problems later.

Couple with a young child walking in the park

Prepared for wherever life takes you

Summer also means holidays, days out and spending more time away from home.

If someone suffered a cardiac arrest, would you know where the nearest public access defibrillator was?

In many situations the answer is yes.

In others, it may be several minutes away.

Public access defibrillators remain essential and save lives every day.

A Personal Defibrillator isn’t intended to replace them. It simply gives people another option if they want the reassurance of having a defibrillator with them at home, on holiday or while travelling.