Christine Blankenship, Editor, Vibrant Senior Options
Although I am younger than 55, I have been dealing with Congestive Heart Failure and summer heat for 13 years. At the age of 39 I gave birth to our youngest child, a very active boy. (He is still active—just bigger and faster!) At the time I was a healthy person, but I was having breathing problems a few days after his birth. A dramatic story lies behind the time of crisis, but I was finally diagnosed with Peri-natal Cardiomyopathy. This came in the form of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) triggered by the pregnancy. This is a rare occurrence among us women—about 1 in 10,000 pregnancies. Currently, my overall health is positive and stabilized.
Congestive Heart Failure, Medications, and Hot Weather
There are several different medications used for CHF. I have taken two different ones. With either one of these, summer heat has taken on a new meaning! I am not a medical professional, but I have learned over the years what can happen if I am not careful. Do check with your doctor on any of the following ideas for more a personal approach for you. Heart failure itself and/or the medications can make the heat difficult to deal with.
Summer heat tires us out faster than cooler weather, just as with anyone else not dealing with heart failure. But what makes us more vulnerable is the medications. We are quicker to get dizzy and fatigued. Second, the summer heat can dehydrate anyone! With heart medications, dehydration can quickly lead to fainting spells. We must drink water! Thirdly, standing up after sitting in the sun a few minutes can also cause dizziness, making us a higher risk for a fall. This is also true when getting out of bed to a standing position. Yep, those meds have their side effects, but we need them to keep the old heart going!
Check with your doctor!
If you are having dizzy or fainting spells, always check with your doctor. He or she would be able to tell if the cause is the weather or something more serious. Of importance, you need to know if the congestive heart failure itself is causing more change. Also, you need to be aware of the fall risks involved and how to deal with them.
How We Can Beat the Heat
Well, I don’t know if we can truly beat the heat, but we can reduce our risk of dizziness and fall injuries. Here are a few summer tips for anyone at any age and health. But take note, these are even more important for those of us dealing with Congestive Heart Failure.
Take a break:
If summer heat makes you tired, take a break from what you are doing. Better yet, take a nap. I learned that from my dog!
Stay cool:
Seek the shade when outdoors. This is also true for skin protection. If there is no shade in your favorite spot, shade yourself with an umbrella. I tried this and it works!
Walk during the cooler hours:
Save your stroll outdoors for cooler evenings or early mornings if you’re an early bird. Enjoy a sunset or a sunrise! You may consider bringing a light jacket, just in case you feel too cool. The fresh air is good for you.
Stay hydrated:
I had a significant dizzy spell a few weeks ago. The Doctor asked if I had taken in much liquids the day before. Of course, I had coffee and maybe a glass of water. Both he and my husband gently reminded me that coffee dehydrates our bodies. I know that, but this is easy to forget because coffee is a liquid, after all. Bummer! My doctor specifically said that the medication plus dehydration led to dizziness. He is right, I have first-hand experience! Drink water, it is the best dehydrator and cleanser! Squeeze in a little lemon juice for flavor and health benefits. Add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar as it adds potassium and even more flavor.
Again, stay hydrated:
Stay hydrated if you have a cold or flu. Illness, medications, and summer heat can quickly add up to “three strikes and you’re out.” (Sorry about pun.) I cannot overstate that hydration is so important.
Move slowly when getting up:
Take your time when changing from lying or sitting to standing up. If you need to get up during those long, humid nights, take more time to sit up before standing.
Enjoy Summer!
Do enjoy summer as much as you are able. Our health conditions can necessarily slow us down, and we should take extra caution with our own health needs. Mostly, be sensitive to how you are feeling. Get educated and be wise about your condition anytime of the year. Safety in the summer heat is a high priority. Furthermore, ask your doctor how your medications may impact you in the hot weather. The sun and warm weather are certainly not something to be feared. However, we must respect how our medications impact our sensitivity to the heat.
Gather a friend or two and have some iced water, tea, or lemonade together in the shade. Here’s to your health!
