The Southern California summer heat and humidity can be difficult to cope with for even the healthiest of us. For those living with heart conditions or chronic pain, it’s an even bigger challenge than you may think. So while we sweat through a day and worry about sweat stains or frizzy hair, others have more serious problems to worry about.
Chronic Pain
People suffering from chronic pain or other health conditions have a more difficult time regulating their system than healthier individuals. Think about diseases where chronic inflammation is involved— heat and moisture fluctuations can change the fluid that lines our joints, which causes increased inflammation, so for those that take anti-inflammatory medications, the heat and high humidity could counter act those medications. Also, heat and humidity exacerbates the ozone levels in the air we breathe, which affects those suffering with asthma, MS, or fibromyalgia.
Heart Disease and Heat Stroke
With the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing this year, anyone could be at risk of getting heat stroke. For people with heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases though, the threat of heat stroke greatly increases.
Those with heart disease may have trouble when their heart has to work harder in the heat to maintain a cooler body temperature. Also, diuretics to reduce water in the bloodstream are a common prescription for many with heart conditions, these medications are known as beta-blockers. Each of these medications can reduce the person’s ability to cool off in the heat.
If you experience heavy sweating with cool, clammy skin, along with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, or fainting, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion which is a form of heat sickness that can lead to heat stroke.
Dealing with The Heat
Regardless of how chronic pain or heart disease and heat stroke is related to hot weather or humidity, these conditions can cause significant problems that should not go unattended to. When it comes to pain management, heart disease, and heat stroke the following strategies can keep you feeling better despite the temperatures outside:
Stay indoors. Perhaps the easiest way to avoid weather-related pain or heat stroke is to avoid being outdoors all together when the conditions are like they have been this summer. If you must be outside, limit the amount of time you spend in the heat with a lot of indoor breaks.
Air Conditioners are your friend. Keep the air inside your home cool and keep the humidity low to treat pain and avoid heart problems. Invest in an air conditioner that will keep you cool no matter how hot it gets outside.
Eat and drink. Stay hydrated with plenty of water (not soda) and eat a healthy diet to keep your body in the best shape to regulate itself.
Choose the right clothes. Dress for the weather, especially if you are outside. Wear white, loose fitting cotton clothing and avoid dark colors that will attract the suns heat.
Summer temperatures can be miserable and physically draining for even the healthiest person. If you’re suffering from heart disease or chronic pain, take the steps to keep your health and keep your cool. Call the HVAC technicians in Escondido from United Heating and Air to help you keep cool, comfortable, and healthy during the uncomfortable and dangerous temperatures we’ve been facing. Our air conditioner experts have years of experience and knowledge to help you find the best fit for your budget, house size, and cooling needs. If you’re having problems with your current air conditioner, call us and we can be at your home or business that same day to diagnose any ac repair issues and offer a cost affordable solution!
