Andy Devaney
When it comes to heat and heart health, most of us think about sunburn, dehydration, or the odd ice cream melting before we’ve had a chance to eat it.
But according to TV GP Dr Punam Krishan, your ticker may be the organ under the most pressure when the mercury climbs.
And with UK summers hotter than a vindaloo in July, the warning couldn’t be more timely.
“Hot weather can place a strain on the cardiovascular system. When the body overheats, it tries to cool down by directing more blood to the skin’s surface and activating sweat glands. This process is called thermoregulation, and it relies heavily on the heart,” explains Dr Krishan, who is working with Stannah.
She doesn’t sugar-coat the risk: “It sounds alarming, but is important to note that studies show for every 1°C increase above 24°C, the chance of a heart attack rises by around 2.1%.
This becomes more significant during prolonged heatwaves or humid conditions, where the body struggles to regulate temperature, and dehydration is more likely to occur. For someone with an already stressed or weakened heart, the sun can take its toll.”
The Telltale Signs Your Heart’s Feeling the Heat
Dr Krishan warns the first signs of heat-related heart stress often get brushed off as “just being tired.” Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- A racing or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Flushed or reddened skin
- Clammy or excessive sweating
- Rapid breathing or a fast pulse
- Unusual behaviour or confusion, particularly in older adults
“These signs mean the body is under stress,” she says. “Older people and those with heart conditions may not feel thirsty or overheated in the same way as younger people, so visible signs are often your first clue.
“If symptoms don’t settle after 30 minutes – or if chest pain, confusion, fainting, or breathlessness occurs – it’s worth calling 999. These can be signs of heatstroke or heart strain, which need immediate care.”
Holidaymakers Beware
The risk doesn’t stop at Heathrow’s departure lounge. Dr Asimah Hanif, an NHS GP working with medical travel insurer Staysure, says heat and heart health are a dangerous mix abroad too:
“Being away from familiar surroundings, dealing with travel fatigue, and spending long days outdoors without reliable access to air conditioning or shade can quickly lead to overheating and dehydration. These factors add extra strain, especially for those with existing heart conditions.
“Many travellers delay or miss taking medications and ignore early symptoms because they don’t want to interrupt their holiday, which can be dangerous. Knowing where to find medical care and accessible cooling spaces is crucial to stay safe while travelling.”
Keeping Your Cool
So, what’s the playbook for protecting your heart when temperatures rise? Dr Krishan’s advice is refreshingly simple:
- Hydrate properly – small, frequent sips of water work best.
- Avoid peak heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Stay cool indoors – fans, blackout blinds, open windows, or even a quick cold shower.
- Dress smart – light, loose clothes and a damp flannel on the wrists or neck.
- Build heart health daily – 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming outside peak heat times.
- Eat right – plenty of fruit, veg, whole grains, oily fish and unsalted nuts.
- Sleep well – and don’t underestimate the stress-busting power of deep breaths and downtime.
The bottom line? While the odds are you’ll stay in good nick, keeping an eye on heat and heart health could make all the difference – at home or on holiday. After all, no one wants their summer memories to be made in A&E.
