Beating the heat has new meaning when you’re living with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). It’s about more than keeping your cool. As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk to your health when you’re managing CHF.
Make a Plan for Sunny Skies
A bright and sunny day may boost your mood, but when living with CHF, the day’s heat may pose health risks. CHF is a chronic condition where the heart does not pump as well as it should and fluid can accumulate in the lungs, feet and other parts of the body. Your heart has to work hard to keep your body cool. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, for every degree your body temperature rises, your heart rate also increases by about ten beats per minute. Common heart medications can exaggerate your body’s response even further. The body naturally responds to heat by sweating, which can cause dehydration and even an electrolyte imbalance, affecting heart function and leading to arrhythmias.
Beat the Heat, Not Your Heart
During the summer months, you must keep your eye on the sky and the thermometer to manage your CHF. Consider these practical tips:
- Keep Your Cool Indoors: Spend time in the air-conditioned indoors, either at home or in places like shopping malls or community centers.
- Stay Hydrated, but Don’t Overdo it. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the correct fluid amount for your health.
- Dress for Success: Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and a hat to help keep your body cool.
- Watch the Clock: Limit outdoor activities to early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler. Check out the CDC’s HeatRisk daily to determine when temperatures in your area reach dangerous levels for your health.
- Watch Your Weight: It’s not about counting calories but detecting fluid retention. Sudden weight gain can be a sign of worsening CHF and you should report it to your healthcare provider.
- Listen to Your Body: You know your body best. Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your condition.
Take Action for Your Heart Health
In addition to taking daily medications, watching diet sodium levels and monitoring for swelling in feet and legs, you’ll also want to assess your overall health according to the zones listed below.
- Green Zone: All Clear
- You are at your goal weight as determined by your physician.
- Your weight remains stable
- There is no change in your current activity level
- You do not have shortness of breath
- You do not see any increase in swelling in the extremities or stomach.
- You do not have chest pain.
- Yellow Zone: Caution
- Call your Home Health Nurse if you are in the Yellow Zone.
- You’ve noticed a weight gain of 2 or more in 1 day or 5 pounds within a week.
- You’ve noticed an increase in coughing.
- There are changes in swelling.
- You are experiencing shortness of breath with activity.
- You need more pillows in order to sleep.
- There are new changes in your condition.
- Red Zone: Medical Alert
- Call your Home Health Nurse immediately or call 911, if you are experiencing any symptoms in the Red Zone
- You’ve either gained or lost more than 5 pounds in 2 days.
- You notice shortness of breath, even during rest.
- There is wheezing or tightness in your chest.
- You have unrelieved chest pain.
- You have to sit in a chair to sleep.
- You’re experiencing mental confusion.
Heart-Safe Summer
These are just a few tips to keep your heart healthy in the summer heat. As temperatures rise, The Care Team is here to help you minimize the impact of the heat on your heart so that you can enjoy a happier, healthier summer. Learn more about Home Health Care can help you stay well this summer–and every season of the year.
