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Our heart can be under extreme stress during extreme heat, as it works extra hard to regulate our body temperature. Proper hydration, eating a balanced diet and keeping our body cool are the keys to maintaining good heart health. Given that half of heart attacks are silent in nature, their signs can be missed and this can increase the risk of mortality. (Also Read | Heatwave and Heart Attack: What is the Connection? How to Avoid Extreme Heat and Manage Heart Health)
According to Heart.org, women and diabetics have a higher risk of silent heart attacks. Silent myocardial infarction is a condition in which the traditional symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, disappear and lesser-known symptoms such as fatigue, heartburn, indigestion and gastric influx appear.
According to Harvard University, about 45% of heart attacks are silent, which means people who have one ignore it and take no action. Other symptoms are muscle tension in the chest or upper back and extreme fatigue.
How extreme heat affects heart function
The human body is tuned to function optimally amid specific temperatures around it. At extreme temperatures, the metabolism will change, which will translate into faulty functioning of various organs of the body. Extreme temperatures have a devastating effect on the functioning of the heart.
“During the extreme heat seen in the subcontinent in summer, sweating will increase and fluid loss will occur leading to dehydration. The heart has to work extra hard to maintain adequate circulation. This can increase the pressure on the heart and lead to a heart attack, especially in people who already suffer from diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Patients taking certain medications such as diuretics may experience a feeling of fatigue and dehydration in the summer. The dosage of these medications should be adjusted to account for the increase in sweating,” said Dr Shashi K Srivastava, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.
Causes of silent heart attack in summer
Dr. Sakshi says that people who already have heart disease should avoid exercising too much in summer, keep themselves well hydrated and stay indoors. She explains the common causes of silent heart attacks in summer.
- Heavy exercise or physical activity: Intense heat can activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
- Exposure to extreme heat can also cause dizziness and fainting.
How can this be prevented?
- People who have heart problems should not do too much hard work in the summer season. They should drink plenty of water and stay indoors. The dosage of some medicines may be adjusted by the doctor.
- In summer, people at risk of heart disease should stay away from extreme heat, drink enough water, and take adequate precautions.
Dr V Rajashekar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Certified Proctor of TAVR and Clinical Director, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad says that it is important to pay attention to the warning signs that may indicate that you are experiencing a silent heart attack in hot weather.
Elaborating on the signs and symptoms of silent heart attacks in summer, Dr Rajashekar said, “Most people associate heart attacks with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, but silent heart attacks can also occur without any obvious symptoms, making them particularly dangerous, especially in extreme temperatures.”
excessive sweating
One of the main warning signs of a silent heart attack in the summer is excessive sweating. When your body is under stress, such as during a heart attack, it may try to cool down by sweating a lot. If you sweat more than normal, especially with other symptoms, it could be a sign that your heart is in trouble.
Tiredness
Another common warning sign is fatigue or weakness. If you feel unusually tired or weak, especially during physical activity or in hot weather, it could be a sign of an underlying heart problem. Pay attention to your body’s signals and consult a doctor if you continue to feel tired.
Difficulty in breathing
This is another red flag that should not be ignored, especially in hot weather. If you experience shortness of breath even while resting or doing light activity, it could be a sign of a silent heart attack. This symptom is especially worrisome when it is combined with other warning signs.
Dizziness
Other warning signs of a silent heart attack in hot weather include nausea, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Although these symptoms are not limited to heart problems, they should not be ignored, especially when they occur together.
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s important to listen to your body and consult a doctor, especially during the summer when the risk of heat-related health problems is higher. Remember, a silent heart attack can be just as dangerous as a traditional heart attack, so it’s important to be vigilant and proactive about your heart health.
“Symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, weakness and breathlessness can be common to both heat waves and heart attacks. Hence, it is important to differentiate them from each other through proper investigations including ECG, 2D echo and blood tests such as troponin,” says Dr Sakshi.
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