Extreme Heat Puts Heart Health at Risk, American Heart Association Warns

As summer temperatures soar across the United States, the American Heart Association is raising alarms about the significant cardiovascular risks posed by extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the country, surpassing even hurricanes and tornadoes in annual fatalities.

A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 2,300 people died from heat exposure in the U.S. in 2023. Research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation projects that heat-related cardiovascular deaths could more than double in the coming decades.

“Heat forces the heart to work harder,” said Dr. Manesh R. Patel, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and chief of cardiology at Duke Health. “When your body is trying to cool down, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels expand. For people with heart disease, and even those who are otherwise healthy, that added strain can become dangerous quickly.”

The body’s natural cooling mechanism—sweating—leads to fluid loss and dehydration, while the heart must pump more blood to regulate temperature. Together, these changes put significant stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing risks for heart attacks and other complications.

To protect against heat-related heart issues, the American Heart Association recommends avoiding outdoor activity between noon and 3 p.m., wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated with water, and taking breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces. Recognizing warning signs of heat exhaustion—such as headache, cool pale skin, fast weak pulse, dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps—is crucial. If symptoms occur, move to a cooler place, cool down with cold water, and rehydrate. Heat stroke, marked by body temperature above 103°F, hot red skin, rapid strong pulse, confusion, or loss of consciousness, is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 calls.

Physical activity remains important for heart health even in summer, but the association advises shifting exercise to early morning or evening hours or moving workouts indoors. Activities like walking, swimming, biking, or gardening can be done safely with proper precautions.

For more information on staying heart-healthy in heat, visit heart.org.

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