As air temperatures begin to exceed seasonal norms, the increased humidity becomes challenging for individuals at risk for heart health. While the sun that warms us from the inside feels good, when it affects our heart, it creates danger rather than good feelings for our health.

On days when complaining about the heat has become an everyday occurrence, especially in coastal cities and those with high humidity levels, individuals in the risk group, elderly patients, and those in poor health must be careful. Stating that high temperatures disrupt the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, leading to serious health problems such as heart rhythm disturbances, Cardiology Specialist Dr. Demet Erciyes, one of the physicians at Infinity Regenerative Clinic, said: "High temperatures have become the agenda for all of us in recent days and cause some discomforts in our bodies. Especially in patients with heart failure, high blood pressure, and serious heart disease, more serious problems occur, requiring extra precautions. Our body takes precautions by expanding blood vessels especially close to the skin and promoting sweating to balance our current temperature. As a result, the balance of body fluids and electrolytes, that is, salt and minerals, is disrupted. When mineral balance is disrupted, dangerous arrhythmias can develop in the heart. Especially the loss of potassium and magnesium minerals, which occur with sweating, is important in this regard. Sodium loss can also lead to severe weakness and low blood pressure. Low blood pressure, that is, decreased blood pressure, causes the heart, trying to pump the same amount of blood per minute, to increase heart rate, causing palpitations. This mineral loss can sometimes cause simple dizziness or sometimes serious rhythm disturbances that stop the heart. Especially high blood pressure patients taking diuretic medications and patients receiving heart failure treatment should consult their cardiologists during hot weather to adjust their medications. Because these minerals are also removed from the body along with urine. Since loss increases with sweating, deficiency symptoms can appear more dramatically. Also, if fluid loss is not properly compensated, blood fluidity decreases and there is a tendency to clot. Blood vessel blockages caused by clots are more frequently observed. If this blockage occurs in heart vessels, it results in a heart attack; if it occurs in brain vessels, it results in a stroke," he said.

Tea, Coffee, and Fruit Juices Do Not Quench Thirst
Referring to the importance of drinking water directly instead of consuming liquids such as tea and coffee to quench thirst, Spec. Dr. Erciyes said: "Diuretics, known medically as diuretics, increase urine production in the body while also leading to water and electrolyte loss. Especially when temperature exceeds seasonal norms, imbalances that can compromise our health can occur in our bodies. Because in extreme heat, our body increases sweating to lower body temperature. Thus, we lose more water along with sweat. In addition to this loss, certain electrolytes necessary for the body are also lost. Additionally, the heart works faster. Blood vessels expand due to the heat effect. Caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee can accelerate metabolism and increase sweating. In this case, drinking water can help the body balance water loss. Since the body loses water rapidly in hot weather, drinking water can reduce the risk of dehydration and maintain fluid balance in the body. Coffee, with its diuretic effect, can increase fluid loss. Furthermore, tea, coffee, and fruit juices usually contain sugar, providing calorie increase and leading to weight gain. In high temperatures, drinking water reduces both extra calorie intake and helps maintain a healthy body weight," he said.

Stressing the vital importance of balancing body temperature, Spec. Dr. Erciyes said: "Considering the famous saying of Lokman Hekim, known for his wisdom throughout history: 'He who wishes for longevity should keep his head cool, his heart happy, and his feet warm,' we should not forget that by protecting our body from hot weather, preventing disease, and maintaining health, we can live longer. The hottest hours of the day, 12:00-2:00 PM, should be avoided if possible. If we must go out, light-colored and thin-textured clothing should be preferred, and direct sunlight should be avoided," he said.

Mineral Loss Triggers Heart Rhythm Disorders
Noting that the loss of minerals through sweat affects the heart, Spec. Dr. Erciyes said: "The effects of sodium, potassium, and magnesium minerals lost along with sweat are due to their deficiency in the body. If we cannot replace these minerals, which are extremely important for the body, we may encounter unwanted situations ranging from simple dizziness to cramps, various heart rhythm disorders, confusion, and fainting. Especially the loss of potassium and magnesium minerals creates the ground for dangerous arrhythmias in the heart. This mineral deficiency, which can be more easily tolerated in healthy people, can have serious consequences in heart patients, especially those with arrhythmia problems," he said.

Sudden Temperature Increases Affect People's Mental Health and Disrupt Heart Rhythm
Concluding his remarks by providing information about how sudden increases in average temperature affect people's mental health, Spec. Dr. Erciyes said: "Hot weather that pushes thermometers affects mood and mental well-being. By disrupting heart rhythm, it impairs concentration. Heat that causes weakness, fatigue, and melancholy can trigger or worsen pre-existing psychological health conditions or problems. Studies have shown that extreme heat and humidity increase hospital visits for mood and behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia, mania, and neurotic disorders. Rising temperatures (especially prolonged heat waves) cause higher crime and aggressive behavior rates and increase heart attack and stroke risk due to psychological conditions."

Finally, he emphasized that "By taking simple precautions, we can protect our heart health and have a healthy summer."