High Temperatures Strain the Heart: Symptoms to Watch For

Hot weather significantly increases the workload on the heart, as the body struggles to regulate its internal temperature. During warm days, the cardiovascular system must operate more intensely to facilitate cooling, which can be noticeable through an accelerated pulse or feelings of fatigue.

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These important changes allow more blood to flow through the arteries and veins near the surface of the skin.

When temperatures rise, the body's autonomic nervous system signals the heart to increase its rhythm and the blood vessels to dilate. This allows more blood to flow closer to the skin's surface, where heat can dissipate into the surrounding air. This process is crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses like exhaustion or heatstroke.

However, this increased cardiovascular effort puts the heart under additional pressure. Dr. Michael Crawford, a specialist in cardiac rehabilitation, explains that the heart's intensified efforts to release heat can lead to a faster pulse and increased sweating. This can potentially cause a drop in blood pressure.

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The cardiovascular system really ramps up its efforts to release heat and cool you down.

The longer a person is exposed to heat, the greater the strain on the heart. For every degree the internal body temperature rises, the heart rate can increase by approximately ten beats per minute. This can result in a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, a condition known as tachycardia, even without strenuous activity.

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The longer you are in the heat, the more strain it puts on your heart.

Furthermore, the dilation of blood vessels, while aiding in cooling, can lead to a drop in blood pressure. A mild decrease may not be problematic, but as the body heats up further and the heart pumps faster, blood vessels must expand more significantly. This can result in hypotension, a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg, which requires correction. While a temporary acceleration of the pulse or a slight drop in pressure may not be cause for immediate panic, these are warning signs that the body is under significant stress.

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It is possible for heat to raise your resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute, meaning you have tachycardia.