How Does Summer Affect Cardiovascular Health?
Cardiovascular health is one of the main current concerns in developed countries, and particularly in the summer. This is because, in places like Spain or the United States, heart problems are one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization.
The truth is that, on the arteries and the heart muscle, many factors influence. Some of them are diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress. However, many people are unaware that the seasons of the year are also an important aspect to consider.
During the summer time, our habits, the type of leisure we do and the climate vary. All this can be decisive, both positively and negatively. Therefore, in this article we explain how summer affects cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular health and the seasons of the year
Cardiovascular health is a term used to refer to the presence or absence of diseases in the heart and blood vessels. They are a group of disorders, among which are the following:
- Arterial hypertension.
- Heart failure.
- Peripheral vascular diseases, such as venous thrombosis or atherosclerosis.
- Coronary alterations.
- Cerebrovascular accidents
As we have mentioned before, cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of death in the world. So much so, that it is estimated that 30% of all global deaths are as a result of them. Furthermore, they are related to an increase in disability and morbidity.
Cardiovascular health depends on many different factors. One of them is the season of the year in which we find ourselves. Changes in temperature, lifestyle and diet that are associated with summer or winter play a role.
According to studies, most cardiovascular diseases have a higher incidence during winter. Cold stimulates the production of certain substances that cause blood vessels to constrict, such as adrenaline.
This is related, for example, to high blood pressure. Similarly, during the months with lower average temperatures, we tend to reduce physical activity and there is an increased risk of respiratory infections.
The influence of summer
However, that during the winter there is a higher incidence of these pathologies, it does not mean that the summer is completely positive for cardiovascular health. During this time, mortality from cardiac events also increases in certain age groups that are more exposed to heat waves.
Some people are more sensitive to dehydration than others. For example, children under the age of five or the elderly. The same happens with those who already suffer from a previous cardiovascular problem, either because they are hypertensive or because they have had a heart attack.
A study carried out in Barcelona concluded that daily mortality was higher on the days when the temperatures were the highest. This applied, significantly, among people over 65 years of age.
In addition, we must not only take into account the net temperatures or the risk of dehydration. Summer affects cardiovascular health, also because it is a time when people go on vacation and leisure time increases.
This causes both diet and physical activity to be affected. While it is true that, in some cases, it is a positive aspect, in others it is the opposite. Many people increase their consumption of alcohol or drugs, neglect their diet or stop playing sports.
Can summer benefit cardiovascular health?
Fortunately, we can turn summer into a healthy time that benefits our cardiovascular health. The fact that we have more time available will be a great opportunity to take care of ourselves.
The mild climate is capable of stimulating the desire to do sports outdoors. Whether it is walking, swimming or cycling. However, it is necessary to be cautious and careful when exercising. Each one must be aware of their limits.
In addition, it is essential to choose the hours of the day that are going to be dedicated to exercise. Moments where temperatures are higher should be avoided. Similarly, it is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Another factor that can benefit our cardiovascular health is diet. During the summer we tend to crave fruits and vegetables, which are an important source of dietary fiber and beneficial nutrients.
Finally, we can take advantage of this disconnection stage to reduce our stress levels. Anxiety associated with stressful situations is one of the most important triggers and aggravators of acute heart events.
What to remember about summer and heart
Whether it is summer or winter, we must bear in mind that taking care of health is essential throughout the year. Although it is true that the summer weather has a negative effect, due to the risk of dehydration or the increase in temperatures, it can also have a positive influence if we propose it.
We must use our free time and the possibilities that this stage offers us to focus on ourselves and take care of habits. A good diet, physical exercise and disconnecting can be very beneficial for our cardiovascular health.
