As senior citizens, we tend to enjoy summertime celebrations, gatherings, and outdoor activities. However, the hot and humid weather can have a profound impact on our heart, especially during the night.

How we manage our activities to prevent heat stroke and dehydration can help safeguard our heart health in the long run. This guide will provide tips on how to keep your heart healthy on a summer night.

What Happens to Your Heart on a Summer Night

The human body tends to relax and cool down when the sun sets, allowing our bodies to rest and recover from a busy day. However, for seniors, especially those with underlying heart conditions, summer nights can be challenging.

During nighttime, our blood vessels tend to dilate, allowing more blood flow to our skin, which can cause our heart to work harder to pump blood to our organs, resulting in an increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and even chest pains.

Prevent Dehydration and Heat Stroke

Dehydration and heat strokes are common among older adults during the summer season, leading to several health issues, including cardiac arrest.

Therefore, it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, fruit juices, and soups, to avoid dehydration. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol, as they tend to dehydrate you even further. Additionally, keep yourself cool by wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and staying in shaded areas or air-conditioned rooms.

It is also advised to limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and take frequent breaks in between.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential for overall heart health.

As older adults, it is vital to consume heart-healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids that help control blood pressure, cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Consuming meals that are excessively high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats can increase your chances of developing heart diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity is not only essential for maintaining a healthy weight and healthy bones, but it is also beneficial for maintaining heart health.

Engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. However, during summer nights, it is crucial to engage in low-intensity activities such as walking, yoga, or strength training to prevent overexertion, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.

Reduce Stress

Stress can severely impact our heart health, leading to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, stress can cause inflammation, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of developing heart diseases.

Finding a way to reduce stress levels helps prevent heart diseases. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress levels during the summer evenings.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency?

If you or someone you are with is experiencing chest pains, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, call for emergency services and take the individual to a cool place until help arrives, and stay hydrated.

Conclusion

As older adults, it is crucial to take care of our heart health, especially during the summer season.

By engaging in healthy habits such as drinking plenty of fluids, consuming a balanced diet, physical activity, reducing stress, and taking precautionary measures, we can reduce the risk of developing heart diseases in the long run. Always remember to seek immediate medical attention in case of any emergencies. Stay safe and healthy!.