Patient LoginThe heart is a very delicate system that relies upon a steady routine to stay healthy, but conditions like atrial fibrillation threaten that routine. When a person has atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers beat rapidly and irregularly, causing them to become out of sync with the lower chambers called the ventricles. Though atrial fibrillation itself isn’t too dangerous, it can easily lead to complications when not prevented and treated. For example, unchecked atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots in the heart, stroke, and heart attack.
Hot weather forces the heart to work harder to do its job, which can trigger atrial fibrillation to kick into high gear. The heart palpitations, weakness, and shortness of breath that comes along with atrial fibrillation makes it very important for all affected patients to remain cautious during hot weather and take certain precautions.
First of all, always drink plenty of water while avoiding dehydrating fluids like caffeine and alcohol. Dehydration can easily trigger a round of atrial fibrillation, while caffeine can speed up the heart. It’s a dangerous combination, especially when alcohol is thrown into the mix to dilate blood vessels. Along the same lines, never exercise or take part in outdoor activities in high temperatures. Drink plenty of water throughout a workout that takes place in a cool environment.
In general, heat is a big no-no for people with atrial fibrillation. Whatever can be done to avoid it should be done. When staying inside in the air conditioning isn’t a possibility, be sure to wear light clothing that minimizes how much the body temperature will rise. Those with atrial fibrillation are also at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which make themselves known with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headache, clammy skin, cramps, and rapid heartbeat.
The more precautions that can be taken, the less hazardous summer will be.