Summer is finally here. Thousands of people flock to the outdoor pool. The beer gardens are booming and barbecues are taking place everywhere. But not everyone is happy about the hot season. Older people, especially those who suffer from heart problems, often tolerate the high temperatures poorly.
Prevent the risk of heat stroke
Fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps or confusion can be the result of extreme heat. And in extreme cases, there is even the threat of heat stroke with circulatory collapse. To prevent such problems from occurring in the first place and to enjoy the summer carefree, the German Heart Foundation advises following a few simple tips on hot days.
Adjust drinking quantity
It is particularly important to drink enough, because sweating can quickly lose several liters of fluid. Even people who are not normally allowed to drink so much, for example because of a heart condition, should increase their drinking quantity somewhat on hot days. If the ideal amount is unclear to you, it is best to discuss this with your doctor.
In addition, the right choice of drink plays an important role. This is because large amounts of common salt, magnesium and other electrolytes are lost during sweating, and these must be returned to the body. Mineral water or fruit juices, for example, which can also be mixed together, are suitable. Vegetable broths, which compensate for the high salt loss during heavy sweating, are also useful (exception: people with difficult-to-control high blood pressure).
Alcoholic beverages are not recommended. Although a cold beer quenches thirst in the short term, in the long term it deprives the body of fluids, which is an unnecessary burden on the organism. Drinks should also not be too cold, as this can stimulate the body’s own heat production.
Exercise: No athletic feats
Although heat can massively weaken the cardiovascular system, exercise is still important in summer. However, you should postpone sporting activities on really hot days to the early morning hours or to the late evening. Recommended activities are, for example, walks in the cool forest or a short bike ride, where the wind blows refreshingly around your ears. Of course, you should not start with maximum performance, but allow the body time to acclimatize.
Nutrition: better often and light
You should also adapt your eating habits to the summer heat. The motto is: rather take many small than few lavish meals. Particularly tolerable is the so-called Mediterranean diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, a simple salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers has proven to be an ideal lunch. In addition a little lemon and olive oil. And also at the grill evening the healthy nourishing way does not have to remain on the distance. Instead of pork knuckle, bacon and sausage, poultry or fish can be served. In addition, peppers, zucchini and mushrooms taste great grilled.
What to look for in medicines?
Taking certain medications can be problematic in midsummer. For example, blood pressure-lowering drugs often have to be reduced somewhat in the summer months. This is because heat can additionally lower blood pressure, which then leads to undesirably low values. However, changes should only be made in consultation with the doctor.
Medications whose active ingredients can sensitize the skin to the sun’s rays are also critical. On sunny days, there is then a risk of massive reddening or blistering of the skin. These preparations include the heart medication amiodarone and the antibiotic doxycycline, as well as St. John’s wort, which many people take for depressive moods. Consequently, appropriate skin protection should be provided for these medications on sunny days. So choose sunscreens with a very high sun protection factor and put on sun hats or peaked caps.
