Heat - It Takes Time To Recover

[MichaelJH]

The heat wave broke at lunchtime and the rain arrived. Despite predictons of the high twenties this afternoon it never got above 22/23. However, I still feel rather washed out and have a muggy headache! Why is this?

Usually after a hot day that tends to stress our bodies to a greater or lesser extent one recovers overnight. When I visited Uluru in the noughties the daytime temperature was about 45C dropping to the low teens overnight. With the low humidity it was easy to get a good night's sleep. However, the heatwave we had was marked by exceptionally high (often staying above 20C) overnight temperatures with high humidity. Add a few storms and many of us did not get good quality restorative sleep. We need to give ourselves a few days to recover. Did plenty unless on restricted fluid as you may be slightly dehydrated and unaware of it. Have a good weekend! 😎

[Fredders]

Hi Michael, I get headaches and sometimes migraines when the weather is muggy. I actually enjoy having thunderstorms cos it clears the air and eases my head.

Wendy

[Suzy1954]

I’m the same. Still feeling washed out even though it’s a lot cooler. Struggling to breathe so phoned GP and turns out I have a chest infection! So with that and the heat it’s not surprising I am so breathless. Interestingly while I was there nurse took my pulse and I explained I have AF. She said I don’t feel any arrhythmia! I’ve had persistent AF for 6 years 🤔

[Bagrat in reply to Suzy1954]

I was seen by GP trainee once prior to consultation. Told him I had Paroxysmal AF which is very evident to me if having an episode. He said my pulse was irregular "as expected". It was not irregular at all.!! I do have a variation with inhaling and exhaling which I understand is a very healthy sign!!

[isobelhannah18]

Another useful post, Michael. I was wondering about recovery. I have been wakened since 1-30 and I always find it difficult to decide whether or not I should force myself to exercise. What do other people think?

[Janma123 in reply to isobelhannah18]

Don’t force yourself to do anything for a few days - just drink a wide range of fluids and relax until it cools down!

[isobelhannah18 in reply to Janma123]

Thanks for replying and for the advice.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to isobelhannah18]

You need to listen to your body. Nobody should exercise when unwell (colds/flu/etc.). Not bring elite athletes we cannot access personal trainers and nutritionists for advice. Obviously if now cooler weather has arrived and you still feel below par in a few days give your GP a call.

[Neptune54]

I find hydration to be the key. I normally just drink tea during the day but during the recent heat I was drinking water endlessly. Perhaps that's why I was sweating so much.

[isobelhannah18 in reply to Neptune54]

thanks for the advice.

[Janma123 in reply to Neptune54]

I had to have a ‘clear fluid’ day yesterday in preparation for a procedure today - I was dreading it but drinking a mixture of fruit juice, cool black tea, peppermint tea, lucozade and water left me feeling great. Just water leaves me feeling sick!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

A bit off topic but it shows how weather changes. On Thursday France had record temperatures. Yesterday the stage of the Tour de France was cut short by a hailstorm (snowploughs out) and a mud slide. Today's is also shortened because of adverse weather at the finish.

Today's weather is reminiscent of (my) school holidays! 😁

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

The heatwave has certainly broken here, the forecast is 17 degrees and rain all day today and Sunday!

As it was the first really hot weather here since I had my heart attack last December, and I've read loads about how hot weather disrupts you if you have heart issues I was very curious to see how I copied with the heat ,and a little nervous that I might struggle, as my holidays have always been to a hot climate and I worried that doing that in future might be curtailed.

Happily I think I managed OK. pretty much carried on as normal, and even went for a walk on Thursday, admittedly along the riverside so no hills, so all in all quite happy with that result.

[isobelhannah18]

thanks for the advice

[Hidden]

Thank goodness it’s cooled down, the hot weather is draining at the best of times, just when I had got rid of the dark circles around my eyes there back. 🥺 😉