Amy's Blog

Heat & Heart

Summer in Tennessee. Already near record heat and it's only early June.  Great if you can be in the pool or in the lake or lounging under an umbrella with a glass of an ice cold beverage, but that may be only on the weekends or on vacation, so how do we manage the heat while going about our business during the workweek or heading out to one of the big festivals, without collapsing from heat exhaustion? It's really important to take this seriously, especially with all the outdoor events going on this weekend, notably the CMA Fest and Bonnaroo.

 Extreme hot weather causes dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here's how.  Heat and humidity interfere with our body's natural cooling process.  The American Heart Association tells us that in these conditions, the problems can be exacerbated because the heart is trying to deliver blood and oxygen to working muscles while the body is trying to cool off by sweating. But if we sweat too much, and lose alot of fluid, that decreases blood volume.  This means your heart has to pump even harder to get a smaller volume of blood to working muscles, skin and other body parts. When you lose too much fluid, your body temp rises, the nervous system doesn't work properly, and extreme fluid loss can lead to heart and brain damage.  Scary stuff.

  So you've got to make sure you stay hydrated in this heat, even if you're not thirsty, and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Alot of the advice is common sense. If you're headed out to exercise, go in the early morning or early evening, not in the middle of the day when it's so bloody hot!  Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take breaks.  Certain medications can affect you too; like beta blockers and diuretics. Make sure you ask your healthcare provider about any meds you're on and how the extreme heat can affect you while taking these drugs.

   The symptoms of heat exhaustion; heavy sweating, cold, clammy skin, dizziness or fainting, a weak and rapid pulse, muscle cramps, fast, shallow breathing and nausea, vomiting or both.

    Heat stroke can lead to warm, dry skin with no sweating, strong and rapid pulse, confusion and/or unconsciousness, high fever, throbbing headaches, and nausea, vomiting or both.  If you experience these symptoms, get medical help right away.

     There's alot of fun to be had in our great city, so enjoy but take it easy.

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