Extreme heat triggers heart diseases!

Drawing attention to the negative effects of increasing temperatures in the summer months on heart health, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samim Emet emphasized that especially individuals with cardiovascular disease should be more careful.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emet stated that the heart’s workload increases significantly with the temperature, and said, “With the heat, the heart’s workload in 1 minute doubles. Especially individuals over the age of 50, those with additional diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal failure, and heart failure need to be much more careful.”

WATER CONSUMPTION IS VITAL

Noting that the body loses a significant amount of water and electrolytes through sweating, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emet said, “Some blood pressure medications can suppress the feeling of thirst. Individuals who neglect water consumption may develop low blood pressure, fainting, and even life-threatening rhythm disorders.”

Emet stated that fluid intake should be increased during this period and, if necessary, the medications used should be rearranged under the supervision of a physician, and warned, “The dose that is sufficient in the summer may be too much in the winter. A physician should be contacted.”

HEART ATTACK AND STROKE RISK INCREASES

Emphasizing that extreme heat and high humidity can lead to heart attacks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samim Emet said, “A study conducted in New York in 2025 observed that the risk of stroke doubled in the summer months. This risk increases even more when the humidity rate exceeds 70 percent. Similarly, heart attack cases increase with heat.”

BE CAREFUL WHEN EXERCISE IN HOT WEATHER

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emet, who stated that heavy exercises should be avoided in the summer months, said, “Care should be taken during outdoor sports such as indoor tennis and indoor tennis. Heart problems can occur even at a young age in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Cardiological control is a must before doing sports.”

Emet, reminding that there are cases of young people having heart attacks during sports, said, “A 28-year-old patient of ours had a heart attack during a football match. Later, genetic risks related to clotting tendency were investigated. The underlying cause may be different in each case. Therefore, it is necessary to be conscious.”

DO NOT GO OUTSIDE DURING THE HOURS WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS MOST INTENSIVE

Emet stated that individuals with heart disease should not go out between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun is at its strongest, and said, “If you have to go out, you should wear a hat, light-colored clothes and definitely have water with you.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emet concluded his statement by emphasizing that personal awareness and physician follow-up are of vital importance in controlling heart and circulatory system diseases during the summer months.