Medical experts say the heart must work harder to keep the body cool during hot weather. According to Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center, that added workload can become dangerous for people with underlying heart conditions.
"There have been some reports of excessive heat leading to over 2,000 additional deaths per year," said Dr. Rajiv Maraj, an interventional cardiologist.
Health experts say the added stress that hot weather places on the heart can increase the risk of heat-related illness, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular complications among vulnerable individuals.
"Yeah, so 65 and older, they are definitely more vulnerable in the hot weather," said Dr. Vivian Torio, a Kaiser Permanente family medicine physician.
Dr. Maraj said older adults with existing heart conditions can face heightened risks during periods of extreme heat.
"Elderly patients, they have issues with heart disease, heart failure. They may have had blockages in the blood vessels to the heart, and they've had stents, bypass surgery, so those patients are very vulnerable," he said.
Dr. Maraj said excessive strain on the heart can worsen existing medical conditions.
"Excess workload on the heart could cause chest pain. It could make or exacerbate heart failure worse," he said.
Dr. Torio said dehydration can also cause noticeable symptoms in older adults.
"Look out for them being more tired, more sleepy, confused. They may complain of feeling dizzy, their heart racing," she said.
Doctors recommend several steps to reduce heat-related stress on the heart.
They advise avoiding outdoor activities during extreme temperatures, especially between noon and 3 pm, avoiding beverages containing caffeine and alcohol while drinking plenty of water, seeking shade and wearing loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat; and regularly checking in on older adults and loved ones.
For those who want to remain active during hot weather, Dr. Torio said exercise can still be done safely by adjusting the time and location.
"Go on your walk early in the morning or later in the evening after the sun goes down, even exercising in your home," she said. "YouTube is great. There are a lot of exercise programs you can do, especially for seniors."
Healthcare experts say taking precautions to stay cool and hydrated can help reduce strain on the heart during periods of extreme heat.
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