Summer means protecting heart and brain from the heat

With summer now in full swing and the country in the grip of intense heat, it's particularly important for the elderly to protect themselves from the cardiovascular risks that intense heat can bring. There are a few things you can do to keep your heart cool.

We sometimes tend to forget it, but heat is an enemy of our heart. Extreme heat is hard on our bodies, which use a process known as "thermoregulation" to cool themselves down. When it's very hot, blood vessels dilate, forcing the heart muscle to pump more blood to the surface of the skin and evacuate heat through perspiration. This accelerates the heart rate, and the brain activates the parasympathetic system to cool the body and keep the internal temperature stable at 37 degrees. But in very hot weather, this cooling mechanism can become difficult for infants, the elderly or people with chronic illnesses. Complications such as heart rhythm disorders or even heart attacks can occur.

What reflexes should be put in place to avoid problems?
To stay healthy and avoid heart problems, the first thing to do is to stay well hydrated. At least two liters of water a day (at room temperature or even warm). Dehydration activates the coagulation process. Blood becomes thicker and coagulates more easily, leading to the formation of blood clots and the risk of acute cardiac infarction, venous thrombosis or stroke. For the elderly, where the risk of dehydration is heightened, extra caution and vigilance are therefore called for.
Wearing a hat and light-colored clothing will also help repel the heat.
You should also avoid going out at the hottest times.
Between 12 noon and 4 p.m., when the heat is at its peak, it's best to opt for cool, ventilated places.
Another reflex to adopt is to avoid physical exertion in hot weather. It could lead to a heart attack!
Some people also think that a cold shower is good for the body. Not a good idea! The body produces heat to combat the sensation of cold. This would be counter-productive. A shower, yes, but at room temperature.
Finally, there are many other tips, such as moisturizing your body regularly with water sprays, closing windows and shutters during the day to keep your home cool, and even... eating cold food. And if in summer you're tempted to drink alcoholic beverages to excess... be aware that they increase dehydration.

Get advice from your doctor to adapt your treatments.
One last thing before getting back in the water... people on medication, such as high blood pressure medication or diuretics, are advised to consult their doctor to consider adapting their medication, which can accentuate the effect of dehydration, cause significant hypotension or damage kidney function. In all cases, never alter your treatment without the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Listen for and know the warning symptoms of heatstroke:
Headaches, drowsiness, disorientation in time and space, shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pains.

These symptoms, particularly in the elderly, should prompt you to call 15.

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