Problems with the heat?

[Adrian100]

I have an IAD and I have been feeling dizzy and light headed all day. I also suffer with vertigo but have not been sick. I was wondering if it could be caused by this latest heatwave?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I suspect you mean ICD - one of my niece's in-laws had one fitted. Are you on any medication? Besides BP tablets ones like anti-anginals can also drop blood pressure. High temperatures (my observations suggest around 26C is a tipping point) can dilate blood vessels further causing it to drop lower causing light headedness, dizziness and even nausea. Try and stay as cool as you can. Good luck!

[Handel in reply to MichaelJH]

I find the heat plays havoc with diabetic control too. Quad bypass hubby is getting tired easily in this mini heatwave causing long walks and bike riding to take a back seat.

A GP on radio 2 today suggested putting sheets and duvet covers in a plastic bag and then in the freezer to keep cool in bed. I'd get hot and bothered trying to put the duvet back in the cover!

[Sillyfroggy in reply to Handel]

Just use the duvet cover without putting the duvet inside

[Handel in reply to Sillyfroggy]

Duh!! Why didn't I think of that!!!! Must be the heat! Thanks Sillyfroggy xx

[not2worry]

Heat is not the heart’s friend. Even with folks who don’t suffer from cardio health issues.

The heart supports every living organ we have. Our largest organ, our skin, puts a large task on the heart during a heat wave the heat works to actually cool the body by using the skin to do the job. When the heart has to use its energy for this primary purpose it has to take it from other organs. The delivery system is our blood delivering oxygen that is essential to every organ-including the heart itself.

So what gets deprived? The most obvious one that we recognize is our brain. It’s trying to tell us we have a problem. The best solution is to stay out of the heat, stay hydrated and reduce our activity levels during hot weather.

Many cardiologist don't give out this simple information to us. Conversely cold weather is also not good for us. It’s not as bad as heat but one of the best things we can do when outside is always wear a hat to keep heat in our bodies and if you can see your breath on a cold day wear a muffler over your nose and mouth to warm the air before it enters your nasal passage and lungs. Your heart will appreciate it!

Yours From Across The Pond

[Hidden in reply to not2worry]

Superb way to put it. Thank you.

It's the brain that gets affected most.

[Maisie2014]

Advice on TV last night re heat: fill hot water bottle with cool water not too cold. Have a warm not hot shower before bed. Open windows in opposite rooms to encourage through draft. Drink plenty of water. Keep out of the sun.

[Adrian100]

Thanks for all the advice.

I now understand why I felt like I did

[cowparsley]

Hi Adrian,I suffer from over heating summer and winter.Had no idea why but the answers to your post have enlightened me,however I expect your problem is connected to the heatwave and is temporary.Best of luck.