Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Medical experts report a dramatic increase in heart disease complaints during the summer.
How can health be taken care of in the summer and what can be done to prevent health issues related to the heart?
There is no doubt that cardiovascular diseases rank at the top of the list of the most prevalent illnesses in the world. A disorder of this nature can make it impossible to work, and, in many cases, even result in death. During the year 2020, Who, the world health organization, reports more than half of all deaths resulted from diseases of the circulatory system. As a result, a large percentage of patients suffer from cardiovascular diseases, which is why we encourage you to check your health regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Summer is the most awaited season for us all. As we enjoy the summer heat, we tend to forget that fluctuations in weather and temperatures, especially heat, can seriously challenge our hearts.
Are there any dangers to the heart during the summer? What are the ways to avoid them?
Extreme heat affects our cardiovascular system directly. The most important summer vacation, water is an essential source of vitality for the heart – the sea, delicious food, and delicious drinks. We often select cold coffee or worse – alcohol instead of water or juice cocktails during the warm season, forgetting to drink the most important source of heart vitality – water. It would be helpful to drink between one and two liters of water each day in the summer to maintain a steady heartbeat. On hot summer days, cardiologists believe heat, sweating, and drinking alcohol are all factors that contribute to heart problems. Alcohol can disturb heart rhythms even in small amounts due to its ability to remove potassium from heart cells, which causes the heart to contract more rapidly, disrupting the heart rhythm and negatively affecting general well-being. Summer can be a dangerous time for blood clots; people who are more active – traveling, exercising, gardening – often forget to drink enough fluids, cardiologists say. Diuretics, which are commonly administered to the elderly, can also affect the use of various medications.
In the summer, experts say the chances of a heart attack increase since the heart works harder and the blood vessels enlarge. The older generation should avoid heat and the sun more than the younger generation. It is more common for younger men to ignore chest pain or not seek help when they experience it, the belief being that the sickness will go away on its own. However, pain is a serious warning sign that needs to be heeded. In many cases, people fail to acknowledge the signals their bodies send because they don’t understand what they are telling them. If you experience dizziness, headaches, problems with your heart rhythm, or sharp pains in the neck, arm, shoulders, or back, consult a doctor immediately. Early symptoms may be blurry, becoming evident only after physical or emotional exertion. Their condition worsens as the disease advances. When it is hot, people with heart diseases need to be especially cautious. Patients are meant to consume 1.5 liters of water every day, avoid the heat, rest in the shade, and strictly adhere to the doctors’ orders.
Here are some tips to keep your heart beating smoothly during summer:
- Drink as much water as possible – between 1 and 2 liters per day;
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat;
- On hot days, don’t engage in active sports. Water is important when exercising or working in the garden so the body’s fluid balance can be restored;
- Maintain a balanced diet – foods should have the right balance of micronutrients and vitamins;
- Alcohol should be avoided by patients with heart disease and dietary instructions should be strictly followed. A human’s heart is one of the strongest muscles, pumping blood tirelessly and providing nutrients and oxygen to the entire body. Therefore, we should always take care of ourselves in order to live long and in good health.
What factors are directly connected with cardiovascular diseases?
1. Cholesterol
2. Blood pressure
3. Diet
4. Exercise
5. Weight
6. Cigarette
7. Alcohol
8. Stress
How cholesterol affects cardiovascular diseases?
Keep cholesterol and triglycerides under control. A person who has reached a certain age should watch their cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular disease is caused by clogged arteries and high cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol can be accomplished through lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the bloodstream. The presence of these fats can also increase the risk of coronary artery disease, particularly in women.
Control your blood pressure.
High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. It is important to check your blood pressure regularly – it is recommended for healthy people to do it at least once a year, but for most adults and more often, especially if a person is prone to high blood pressure. It is also important to take action, including lifestyle changes, to prevent and control high blood pressure.
Is our health affected by the food we consume?
Reduce your consumption of saturated fats, salt, and sugar. Get plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol by following this health advice.
Exercise regularly.
Having a healthy life is one of the oldest methods of keeping fit known to mankind. In addition to strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation, it has many other benefits. Maintaining a healthy weight and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol are also benefits of exercise. The combined effects of all of these can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Does being overweight affect our heart?
Having a high body mass index increases the risk of having a heart attack. In addition to being overweight, losing weight lowers a person’s blood pressure, triglyceride level, cholesterol level, and blood sugar level. By controlling your body weight, you can prevent these risks. Make sure that you exercise every day and moderately, not by doing a lot all at once.
Do not smoke.
The use of cigarettes causes high blood pressure and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart disease. An experienced family doctor can assist you if you find quitting difficult on your own.
Do not drink alcohol in summer or drink alcohol in moderation.
Having too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, and drinking too much offers extra calories that can make you gain weight.
Manage your stress.
The effects of stress are not limited to heart problems. Many other diseases can also be caused by stress. Stress increases heart rate, and very high levels can lead to heart attacks.