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Are you less able to tolerate high summer temperatures after ablation.?

Sixtychick profile image
71 Replies

I have been finding the high temperatures we’ve been having in the UK, a bit too much to tolerate this year. I don’t know if this anything to do with the ablation I had in September. I’ve never liked the heat, but this time, it’s really got to me. I’m sweating a lot and just want to stay indoors in front of my fan and I’ve found if I walk very far, I can get a little bit breathless, which I don’t normally.

Has anyone else had this problem, or is it just me and my imagination !! ?

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Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick
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71 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

I would not say that is common BUT as we get older it does take us longer to acclimatise to warmer weather and here in UK there has been so little of it this year it can be a shock.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toBobD

That’s true. It’s so oppressive at the moment. I’ll be glad when it cools down a bit.

Buzby62 profile image
Buzby62

I know what you mean but I don’t think it’s the ablation, I think it’s more to do with the type of hot weather we seem to get in the uk these days. Nice hot for a day or so then turns really thundery feeling and overpowering , I’ve always struggled with that really. I find myself struggling with heat at home but fine on holidays in Spain two weeks ago.

Best wishes

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toBuzby62

Glad I’m not the only one that finds the heat too much. Wish it would stay at about 24 C and not be so humid. Hope it goes cooler, as it says it will, on Saturday. Was supposed to be a little bit cooler today, but the outdoor temperature in our garden, says 27.6 C. I am very fair, so burn easily too. I try and keep out of the sunshine as much as I can.

kkatz profile image
kkatz in reply toSixtychick

Anything over 21 or 22 too hot for me.

wilsond profile image
wilsond

Me too,and I grew up in the Tropics. Heat has never bothered me before my ablation 2 years ago.You struck a chord,as family can't believe Im.hiding in the shade sweating fir the UK.

Interesting!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply towilsond

Glad I’m not the only one. Another hot day today. It’s going to be 27C. Looks like it’s cooling down a bit from tomorrow.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply toSixtychick

27° is my idea of perfect! From Sunday temps here in south west France have been very high - mid to late 30s and I have been stuck inside as it's been too hot to garden . Today is much cooler with a max of 29° predicted for our area so I can work outside . This year has been more difficult as the heatwave came suddenly with way below usual temperatures in May, June and early July. We did buy an air con unit for our south facing bedroom back in June but it has sat unused on the landing till Sunday. I think it's what you get used to . In the past when heatwaves have gone on much longer we get used to the heat then when temps drop we feel cold. But 27° is not a heatwave here . It's normal summer weather and the French grumble about a rotten summer if temperatures are much lower!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toAuriculaire

For me 24C is as hot as I like now. I remember when we took our caravan to France many years ago, it was very hot, but I coped with it then, we had fans in the caravan. I did French at school for quite a few years, so could understand and speak French, which was very useful, as my husband and kids couldn’t. This was when I was a lot younger, many years before I developed AFib.

Tried to get my husband to buy an AIr Con unit for our bedroom, but he says they’re to expensive to run, so we have to make do with fans. I sleep in a back bedroom, as our front bedroom has the sun shining on it all afternoon, so gets really hot.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply toSixtychick

We decided to get solar panels on our garage roof which will provide electricity for the air con in summer as the ones on the roof of our house make leccy that goes direct to EDF. Unfortunately everything takes ages here so panels are not in place yet! The aircon has been a real boon the last few days but we only use it when the temp in our bedroom goes up to 28°+ . Summers are much hotter here now than when we bought our house in 97.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toAuriculaire

I expect you get a lot more sun there. Solar panels will work well for you.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply toSixtychick

Well up till recently we have had a lot less sun than normal. May and June and the first half of July were much cooler and wetter than usual. I read it was to do with the Jet Stream being lower than usual.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toAuriculaire

Been the same here. Nice today. Much more pleasant at 22C.Glad it’s cooled down.

Angie06 profile image
Angie06

I've never had an ablation but find this heat quite oppressive and have air conditioning in my bedroom so I can at least get some sleep. Having lived in Australia I didn't think I'd have a problem with temperatures up to 30° but our homes are designed to keep the heat in not out so mine stays hot all night and quite a few days after the temperatures return to normal. I don't suppose it will last much longer then well be back to moaning about the cold although I could do with some right now. 🥵

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald in reply toAngie06

Insulation works both ways. It keeps the heat in and out. Our house is well insulated so we leave the windows open at night to let the cooler air in, and close them during the day to keep the warmer air out.

House is nice and cool during the day as a result. Always draw the curtains in a room that takes direct sunlight though.

All the best.

Roy

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRoyMacDonald

Our house gets very hot at the front, no matter what I do. It’s about 30 years old now, so isn’t as well insulated as the newer houses are.

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald in reply toSixtychick

Our "house" is a 530 year old converted barn of all wood construction. It was converted about 24 years ago. You can always add insulation to any building of any age so might be worth considering for the winter, with the cost of fuel as it is.

All the best.

Roy

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRoyMacDonald

Gosh that’s an old house, bet it takes a lot of maintenance. Gas and electric is costly and now we’ve lost our fuel allowance, thanks to the new chancellor, we’ll have more to pay out for it. We have some insulation and double glazing and the loft is insulated, but my son lives in a new house and I know they insulate them better nowadays and his house never seems quite as hot as ours and stays warmer in winter, so saves on his bills.

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald in reply toSixtychick

No, we never do anything to it, figure it's been there so long it won't be needing it anyway although it is grade 2 listed so anything we do needs planning consent, even maintenance. Which is off putting in itself. It annoys the neighbours as planning consent has to take account of it too. Almost all the building here in the village are listed anyway because of their age and being in the East Sussex AONB. We weren't allowed to put solar panels on the roof. So only the newer buildings have solar panels. We could probably put them on the garage roof as that was built in 2000 but that faces the wrong way. It's the oldest Sussex Barn in Sussex so probably quite important historically.

All the best.

Roy

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRoyMacDonald

Sounds lovely. My niece lives in a listed house and has to get consent for any work they need to do. Bit annoying if you want to have solar panels though.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toAngie06

UK heat is very humid. I think that’s why it’s uncomfortable here, when it gets very hot. We have to make do with fans. My husband won’t get an air conditioning unit for our bedroom. I’m sleeping in a back bedroom at the moment, as our front bedroom has the sun on it all afternoon and is unbearable. It looks like it’s getting a bit cooler after today.

Jetcat profile image
Jetcat

hi sixty, it’s more than likely because we’re not used to the heat and mugginess. Iv been struggling a little lately but I have been working outside alot this last week or so which I don’t do often. Iv sweated buckets but made sure Iv kept up with the water intake and the odd electrolyte sachet.👍

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toJetcat

I wouldn’t like to be working outside in this heat. I sit inside in front of my fan when it’s so hot. It was lovely in Morrisons yesterday, when I went shopping, so cool, I could have stayed there all afternoon!!!

Jetcat profile image
Jetcat in reply toSixtychick

Luckily it’s not hard work. I’m thinking of investing in a portable AIR CON unit. My friend has one and it’s very good today it’s only as big as a small fridge.👍

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toJetcat

My husband says they cost too much to run, so we have to make do with fans. It’s a little bit cooler now, there’s a bit of a breeze here now.

Jetcat profile image
Jetcat in reply toSixtychick

Yes it is cooler now.👍

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern

I can manage heat and cold better since my ablation last October, but am slowed up in anything above about 23 degrees. I stay indoors or deep shade and cycle rather than walk anywhere so I get a breeze. Fan on all night. But humidity is worse - leaving me fit for nothing more than sorting the email tray and drinking iced coffee (decaf!) 😂

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRainfern

I think it’s the humidity in our country, that makes it so uncomfortable. Hopefully after today, it’ll cool down a bit, as it’s forecast. We’re taking my grandson ten-pin bowling today. The bowling alley says it’s air conditioned, so should be ok, otherwise we’d have gone another day.

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply toSixtychick

I hope it was a good game! Yes, it has cooled quite a bit and a nice breeze here in Devon too 😊

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRainfern

It was lovely and cool in the bowling alley. My husband won as usual and my 7 year old Grandson beat me.!!

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply toSixtychick

Ah, your skills in bowling sound about equal to mine 😂

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toRainfern

🤣🤣

Singwell profile image
Singwell

I think it's when the heat builds up, doesn't cool at night and we also get humidity. Yesterday was horrible. When it's hot AND humid the body doesn't remember to sweat so well apparently and we're more likely to feel the physical effects. Thank goodness for a cooler day today even though I do love sunshine

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSingwell

I seem to sweat more in this weather. Having to shower every day. It’s still going to be 27C in Leicestershire today.

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1

I have found it really hard and it is some years since my last ablation.

Pete

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply topottypete1

Nice to know I’m not the only one. Hopefully it’ll be getting a bit cooler after today.

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena

Yes, I had my ablation in March and I am really struggling with the heat.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toKarendeena

I’m sure that’s why I find the heat worse this year. Tried to Google it, but couldn’t find an answer, but some people on here, have said they feel the heat more since their ablations, so nice to know it’s not just me. It’s another hot one at 27F here in Leicestershire. At least we missed all the heavy rain and thunderstorms that were forecast yesterday.

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toSixtychick

I am in Leicestershire normally but at our lodge in Lincolnshire atm We had a blast of a storm last night. It was very hot and uncomfortable 😣

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toKarendeena

Sounds nice, We have a touring caravan, so go away about once a month.

Bowcat profile image
Bowcat

Funny you say that, I didn't think of the connection. But I used to love the sun and heat but now I can't go out in it as I get too breathless. Rather stay in with the fan on me. I've also had 2 Ablations not sure though if it's just a coincidence! 🔥🤔

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toBowcat

It seems quite a few people have replied to my question saying they find the heat too much, so maybe it’s not my imagination !!

Tourk profile image
Tourk

It's not that it's hotter than normal for summer , more that it's been so cold, we had 12c last week now its 27c.Being colder than normal means that when we get average temperatures for this time of year, it feels excessive.

I take it you have a fan, have you considered getting one of the cheap evaporative fans from amazon around £30 they are pretty good for personal cooling and dont take up much space, put a fan in an open window. To pull cool air in or push hot out.

I have in the past used a washing up bowl of cold water to put my feet in and hung a damp towel.

The heat only lasts for a few days so by tomorrow it'll most likely be cool again.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toTourk

I have a neck fan and put cold water on my neck and face which is lovely and cooling and you can take it round with you, We also have fans in every room. I try everything to try and keep the house cool. Wish we could afford to put Air Con in our house. Don’t know how we ever managed without it in our cars.!! Hopefully it’ll cool down a bit, as forecast tomorrow.

Tourk profile image
Tourk in reply toSixtychick

You were saying about it making it hard for you to breathe, when its hot the air is less dense so less oxygen. Fans are great but they tend to just move warm air around, that's why evaporation works better. Especially it you put ice in the water tray.

Air conditioning in cars is wonderful as long as its not on to cold. There's a shop round the corner they have it ridiculously cold. If I wasn't in my wheelchair coming out side after being in there for to long would put me on the ground. They have it to warm in the winter so overheat in the winter and freeze in the summer. I dread to think how much their electricity bills are lol

You can pick up a portable air conditioner unit for around £250 the sort that you put a pipe out of a window to expel the hot air. They are pretty good especially if you get one that works as a dehumidifier for the winter. They take up quite alot of space so unless you havd a garage it can be a pain. I've got one I use it more in the winter than I do in the summer. Great for Rheumatism

Not that its any help to you but I just find it interesting . when it's hot it gradually increases c02 levels in the air because the (mostly) naturally produced c02 isn't so easily absorbed by the sea, rivers, trees extra. This may also effect some peoples breathing.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

It's been in the 90s here in Ohio (about 33c) and I still do my gardening chores outside, but take frequent breaks and drink lots of water. If it's humid heat, then I get really uncomfortable -- feels like I'm swimming through the air and get out of breath. Everyone's different. Do less, and stay hydrated.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSnowgirl65

Gosh that’s high and I complain about 28C temperatures. It does get very humid in the UK.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65 in reply toSixtychick

It's understandable you're feeling miserable as you're certainly not used to hot weather over there. It takes a while to acclimate! I'll take UK weather in summer over Ohio's any day. Best regards!

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden in reply toSnowgirl65

You’re braver than me SnowGirl! I’ve been neglecting the garden in this heat and humidity. Here in NY, we’re getting the same kind of weather as you. Feel a bit trapped inside by it. At least my tomatoes are ripening early! 🍅

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65 in reply tolovetogarden

I try to brave the heat and do my normal chores, but it really got to me yesterday. I simply can't handle it the way I used to. You're wise to stay inside. But yes, my 'maters are doing well too! -- Happy gardening!

petmice profile image
petmice

I tolerate the heat less and less as the years go by. Add in menopause and a medical condition that messes with my perception of hot/cold and you have someone who can neither warm up in winter nor cool down in summer. And this was all before I had my first ablation.

I was a little hyper-vigilant after my ablation, ready to blame any and every problem on the ablation but, once I stopped to analyze what was going on, I realized the ablation really had nothing to do with it.

marcyh profile image
marcyh in reply topetmice

Me too - too hot, too cold. Menopause (30 years and counting) makes it even more difficult. I can't warm up in winter but have a hot flash every day. And when that happens in the evening I can't sleep after that, my body is over stimulated. In summer I overheat very easily. I seem to have a very narrow thermo-neutral zone. I dress in layers year round. The best relief I've found for a hot flash is a chilled (freezer) "magic bag" around the back of my neck.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply tomarcyh

I’m a bit like that too. I have bought a neck fan and I find if I put cold water on my neck and face, it helps cool me. Got it from Amazon. I very occasionally get hot flushes, but I’m past the menopause now thank goodness.

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply topetmice

I think I’m a little like that and I keep wondering if the ablation will keep my AFib away for good. Wish I could put that thought out of my mind.!! Fortunately, I’m past the awful menopause.

55zuzanka61 profile image
55zuzanka61

I had three ablations and each of them made me less tolerant to heat.Even when I exercise in air conditioned gym I get hot and sweat much more than before ablations.It may have something to do with my higher heart rate after last ablation and I also thought my meds,mostly beta blockers might be adding to it.Its quite annoying,can’t keep up with hydrat sometimes

wilberwoo profile image
wilberwoo

I suffer like this but I also have heart failure as well as having had VT ablation.

Hot weather puts the heart under extra strain as it is trying to keep the body temp down.

Haven't found anything that helps really other than what you are doing and staying hydrated.

If you look on the BHF website, heat is much more of a problem for those with heart conditions so just listen to your body, at least we know with the great British weather it shouldn't last long!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply towilberwoo

The heat must be worse for you. It seems to be a little bit cooler now a bit of a breeze is blowing.I think it’s going cooler after today, if the forecast is correct. Keep cool.

marcyh profile image
marcyh

Here in Canada we can get a spray bottle with a fan at the top. It operates on a couple of small batteries. I invested. A whole dollar at Dollarama. Works great!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply tomarcyh

haven’t seen those in UK

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden

I’ve had 3 ablations, but still on meds for tachycardia. Really can’t tolerate the heat anymore. Not sure which is the culprit though, the ablations, the meds, or just aging. Sounds like a lot of us are in the same boat, Thank goodness for air conditioning! I remember a trip to England in May one year (long ago), during a bizarre heat wave. My mother-in-law’s home was well insulated, but still so hot. Searched many shops before we found some fans! Hot weather calls for shade hats, umbrellas, and staying hydrated!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply tolovetogarden

It’s been much cooler today, thank goodness I am now coming off my Sotalol medication, now that I’ve had my ablation.I’ve been reducing it very slowly, by 20 mg at a time.I’m now on 20 mg twice a day. I was on 80mg morning and night.I’m just hoping I shall have no problems, when I stop it altogether.

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden in reply toSixtychick

That’s great. Glad the weather has cooled down and that you’re coming off the meds! Hooray!!

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSixtychick

Thanks.Maybe they’ll take you off your medication before too long.

Sooz34 profile image
Sooz34

I have a different heart condition but I'm feeling the same as you. Normally I love the heat but this year I feel quite unwell if I'm in the sun or heat too long. Very odd isn't it x

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSooz34

It’s gone warm today. I’ve been in hospital all day. I woke up at 6.30am with my heart pounding, took my Blood Pressure and it was 190 over 95, so rang 111 and they told me to go to A&E and they sent me to the heart hospital, where they gave me a tablet to lower it, after loads of tests, ECG’s etc. Got home at 5.30 pm. They’ve given me Amlodipine 5mg. Hope I don’t get side effects.

Sooz34 profile image
Sooz34

Crumbs you're really going through the wars at the moment..meant to cool down a bit later un the week. Hope the Amlodipine helps xx

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSooz34

This morning my blood pressure is normal and so I’m giving it a couple of days and see how I go. I’ve never had high blood pressure before and can’t understand what brought this episode on, neither can the Doctors. If all is ok, I shall try and contact my GP to see what he says

Sooz34 profile image
Sooz34

Sounds like a good idea. My blood pressure has been high for ages but at the moment its 98/58. So I'm on the other extreme now..the warmer weather and damp weather definitely makes me feel more worn out and breathless. 🙄

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSooz34

Yes that’s quite low, hope it’s not affecting you. Low blood pressure can make you feel dizzy and faint. It’s much better now it’s cooled down a bit.

Sooz34 profile image
Sooz34 in reply toSixtychick

Yes I do get breathless and more tired but trying to get a Dr's appointment is pointless and I'd rather see my cardiologist who I trust. Due to hear from him soon x

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toSooz34

Good luck.

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