AHA offers tips to prevent cardiac, other hazards during heat waves

There are five ways in which Americans can prevent heart-related and other adverse events from extreme heat, the American Heart Association stated in a press release.

“If you’re a heart patient, older than 50 or overweight, the American Heart Association suggests you take special precautions in the heat to protect your heart,” Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, FAHA, president of AHA and chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said in the release.

The five tips are as follows:

Watch the clock

The time frame that presents the greatest risk for heat-related heart events is noon to 3 p.m., because that is when the sun is strongest, according to the AHA.

Dress for the heat

During heat waves, the AHA recommends that people wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton or in fabrics that repel sweat. People should also wear hats and sunglasses and apply sunscreen of at least SPF-15 before going outside, reapplying it every 2 hours, according to the association.

Drink up

People should drink a few sips of water before, during and after going outside or exercising, and should avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, the AHA stated in the release.

“Staying hydrated is key. It is easy to get dehydrated even if you don’t think you’re thirsty,” Lloyd-Jones said in the release. “Drink water before, during and after going outside in hot weather. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. And the best way to know if you are getting enough fluid is to monitor your urine output and make sure the urine color is pale, not dark or concentrated.”