If you are one of those people who are suffering from atrial fibrillation (Afib), then you may have observed that a change of weather may affect your heart health. Atrial fibrillation also knows as arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
During the hot summer season, your heart has to work hard due to the heat stress. This situation can trigger the episode of atrial fibrillation. In addition to this, excessive heat can also increase the risk of heart failure and stroke. Two other fatal cardiovascular events are triggered by the Afib attack. Fortunately, some good habits can help in keeping your heart safe during the hot summer season:
1. Skin Protection from Sun
You should avoid staying outdoor during the afternoon when maximum UV rays are reaching Earth. You can have fresh air early in the morning and during the evening time. If it is very important to go outside during the daytime, then you should not forget to apply sunscreen lotion.
You should prefer sunscreen lotion higher than 30 SPF. Harmful sun rays can lead to sunburn. Sunburn can further reduce the ability of your body to cool off. You should stay inside cool indoor and try to spend your time in an air-conditioned space. If you do not have the latest technology AC at home, then consider the installation of air conditioning Sydney.
2. Keep Your Body Hydrated
If you will keep your body hydrated, then your heart will pump blood to the muscles. Your body will produce too much sweat during the summer season and it will lead to loss of fluids and salt through sweat. Excessive sweating can make your body dehydrated and may affect your heart health.
Arrhythmia may be triggered by the loss of fluids. Experts say that everyone should drink 6 to 12 ounces of water a day. If you are outside and being active, then you should drink more water. If you want to prevent yourself from arrhythmia, then you should keep drinking water and protect your body from dehydration. You should always carry a water bottle while going outside.
3. Stay Indoors And Take Rest
Even after keeping your body hydrated, you should avoid staying hot outdoors. During the hot summer season, your heart has to work harder to keep your body cool. This situation can be dangerous for those who are already suffering from a bad heart condition.
Due to increased workload, your heart will trigger both atrial fibrillation and can also lead to congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a situation in which your heart starts gradually weakening and it can lead to a collection of fluids in the lungs and legs. Therefore, you should stay indoors during hot summer days to protect yourself from heat.
4. Avoid Doing Outdoor Exercise
Achieving fitness goals is very important, but you should avoid doing outdoor workouts during the summer season. You can start doing your regular exercise at your home. Regular workout improves your overall physical and mental health.
But outdoor workouts during the summer season may trigger atrial fibrillation. Thus, we recommend you start doing regular exercise inside your home. You should maintain a cool and comfortable ambiance inside your home by turning ON ducted air conditioning Sydney. You can easily do regular workouts during the hot summer season.
5. Wear Light And Breathable Clothes
High body temperature and dehydration can trigger heatstroke. Everyone should be aware of the symptoms of nausea, dizziness, flushed skin, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat. If someone is already suffering from atrial fibrillation, then he/she is at high risk of heatstroke.
You should pay attention to your clothes. You should avoid wearing thick clothes because they can trap heat and lead to a rise in body temperature. Thus, you should choose light and breathable clothes for the summer season. We recommend you choose cotton fabric for the hot sweltering summer season.
6. Strop Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol can make a person urinate more frequently. Therefore, drinking alcohol can increase the probability of making a person dehydrated. People who are already suffering from heart problems should avoid drinking alcohol, especially during the hot summer season.
Drinking alcohol during the summer season can also affect the ability of your body to maintain body’s temperature. You should drink water as much as you can and avoid drinking alcohol.
7. Always Check the Heat Index
You should consider checking the heat index before going outside. The heat index is comprised of both temperature and humidity levels. Our body automatically starts producing sweat with the temperature rise. When sweat evaporates off from your skin, then it will leave a cooling effect on your body. During humid weather, sweat cannot evaporate quickly and make it very much difficult for your body to cool down.
