Hot weather!

[Curlygirl101]

In cyprus at the moment and it is hot! My fitbit is telling me that my resting heart rate and my hrv are out of my personal range. I'm trying to stay in the shade and I'm keeping hydrated whilst trying not to go over 2 litres of fluid. Not drinking alcohol and not really overdoing things. Can it just be the heat affecting things? Should everything go back to normal once I'm home? But worried as not sure what else I can do. Thanks!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I recently did two hot weather posts:

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

and healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

They and the responses are well worth reading through.

It sounds like you are on restricted fluids. If you are there for more than a couple of more days it is worth trying to contact your GP/cardiologist/heart nurse as they may temporarily allow more fluids because of the additional loss through the skin.

I always urge hearties and older people to think careful about if they can cope in a hot climate? If you are near collapse when it approaches 30C in the UK the southern Mediterranean during the summer and places like Australia in their summer (our winter) are basically a NO-NO!

[Happyrosie]

I slightly worry that you are restricting your fluid intake. Unless you have been told to restrict it, drink more water - this keeps your blood flowing, Also, melons and so on are full of liquid

[Curlygirl101 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for responding. Yes I have been told no more than 2 litres! Trying to get fluids from food such as melons.

[fishonabike in reply to Curlygirl101]

you might find this info helpful: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

he fluid in food counts as well, but in general the 2 l restriction take into account that you will also take in water through food in a hot climate you should probably increase your fluid intake to compensate for the extra fluids lost through sweating

[TasteLessFood4Life]

My HR is higher too during hot weather by around 10bpm or 20%. Not an expert, but your heart and body needs to work harder to keep you cool, hence the higher HR.

Eventhough it is higher than normal range, it doesnt really cause any issues for me personally. However, good to listen to your body and see if it makes you feel differently.

[RufusScamp]

The clue to dehydration is the colour of your pee. If it is light coloured you are fine. If it is dark, you need more fluid. Fruit and salad are probably good ways to get it, with the extra fibre and vitamins.

[TedSpaniel]

Just back from California where it was hot 46C one day. The key was taking things steady for me. Slowing my walking pace, cooling off in air conditioning etc. But the biggest was staying hydrated. I got a 40oz Stanley drinking cup and filled it each day. I know they are popular at the moment and much hyped, but they work very well. Even if left in a hot car for a few hours the ice hadn’t melted. I did have the odd couple of days where I was completely tired out but that’s something I suffer anyway. I do also like the heat.

It’s so important to get out there and enjoy life but to just take care. Heart issues do get us all anxious so taking time to chill and getting your mind off things is good.

[Art-99]

Hi, we retired to Cyprus 12 years ago and this has proved (in our experience ) the longest and hottest summer. Many Brits return to the UK at this time of the year to escape the heat. I had OHS 4 years ago to replace a mitral valve and like to keep active, which is so difficult in these temperatures. We keep electrolyte tablets in the house, dissolved in a glass of water they help replace the salts etc that leach out of your skin. In my opinion spring and autumn are the best times of year to visit somewhere like Cyprus although I realize that people with school age children don't have the flexibility of choice. Try and keep cool and enjoy the rest of your stay.

[Hidden in reply to Art-99]

We are in the process of buying property in Cyprus. We were out last week in June. Went walking every morning and stay hydrated all day mainly tbrough water.

I had a cabgx2 last year, i am really fit and had no issues in 35c with increased heart rate.

[RP1944 in reply to Art-99]

it’s the longest and hottest summer we have had for years, can’t wait for it to cool down again. I don’t go out during the hottest part of the day. It’s a don’t rush and keep hydrated summer!!

[MyHF]

while in Turkey last year it was 45 degrees in the sun. We went as a group of 4 adults and 4 children. I done surprisingly well in the heat, better than the other adults and when we were out and about it was so slow paced that my Apple Watch wasn’t even recording it as exercise.

We all got fairly sick at the start of the holiday, maybe from the food or maybe something else. Anyway on visiting a pharmacy and explained what was wrong and that I have heart disease, the lady suggested I took electrolyte drinks. Someone else has suggested this to u and I just want to say from my experience I think they really helped in the excessive heat!

[devonian186 in reply to MyHF]

Temperatures on the forecasts are given in the Shade.

Here on the South Coast of England last week a modest 27C in our garden translated to a whopping 58C in the sun.

The sun can be a killer . Try to keep out of it.

[Dkhanka]

I suppose heat can influence HR and BP. Are you in any heart medication ?

[Hidden]

Hi just a thought firstly how accurate are these fitbits🤔 and would it be possible to go to the local A&E department, or maybe even a chemist could check you out. I know from experience when we were in Cyprus the local chemist were extremely helpful. Worrying won't help, get some advice and enjoy your hols. Wish I was there😎❤

[Vilsugheart in reply to Hidden]

I found that my Fitbit was often way out with HR readings. The Cardiac Rehab team also struggled to get a HR reading from my finger with their Oximeter. I subsequently found an old Polar HR monitor which was more accurate and tend to use this now if 'exercising'. And if in doubt, and as advised by Cardiac Rehab, I check manually - this also gives me a good 'sense' of what is 'normal'. Glad you are feeling better.

[Jedi14]

Can you get advice from local nurse/GP?

[Curlygirl101]

Thanks everyone. Spent most of today in an air conditioned room and slept quite a bit. Feel loads better!