Lorsque la chaleur monte, les risques pour le cœur aussi : ce que vous devez savoir

Can you die from the heat?

The AHA suggests extreme heat can be dangerous - even deadly - especially for people with existing heart disease. According to the UK Health Security Agency 10,000 people died due to heat related causes between 2020 and 2024 in the UK.

A study published in the AHA’s, peer-reviewed journal Circulation predicts that cardiovascular disease deaths related to extreme heat may more than double over the next two decades.

Heart medicines and the heat

Heat and dehydration make your heart work harder, putting it under significant stress. This can be particularly problematic for those with heart conditions and older adults.

Precautions to take during the hot days of summer

There are various measures you can take to help your heart stay safer in the high temperatures - these include:

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be having too much heat.

The main symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

• Maux de tête.

• Cool, pale, and moist skin.

• Fast, weak pulse.

• Dizziness and light-headedness.

• Weakness or muscle cramps.

• Feeling sick and vomiting.

• Passing out.

While being heart-smart in the heat, it’s still important to find ways for the whole family to stay active even during the high temperatures of summer. Adjusting your activity time to early morning or later in the evening can help. If being outside is too much on some days, find indoor locations where you can be active, such as a shopping centre, gym, or community leisure centre.