Keep Your Heart Healthy During Summer Heat
Maintaining heart health during hot summer months is crucial, as high temperatures can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Did you know almost half of all US Adults have some type of cardiovascular disease?
If you are worried about your heart health, talk to your doctor!
Don’t have a doctor? Schedule an appointment at the Employee Health Clinic, or visit the Accolade App to schedule a virtual visit through Accolade Care.
Your health provider can help by ordering blood tests for a snapshot of your current health, creating a plan to keep your heart healthy, and taking your vitals, such as blood pressure.
Blood Tests
Blood tests for heart health are crucial because they can detect risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which contribute to cardiovascular disease. Early detection through blood tests allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Your health provider will order blood work for a baseline on your cardiovascular health, which includes:
Total Cholesterol
LCL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Fasting Blood Glucose
HbA1c
Create a Plan
Your health provider can help you create a comprehensive heart health plan by discussing the following questions with you:
What are typical heart disease symptoms?
What can I do to fight heart disease?
Do I need to lose or gain weight for my health?
What can I do to lower my risk of heart disease?
What lifestyle changes would you recommend for me?
What should my blood pressure be and how often should it be checked?
These questions will help your health provider assess any risk factors and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include medication, lifestyle modifications, and referrals to specialists, if necessary.
Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure is a critical indicator of your health overall! It measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries, providing critical insights into your cardiovascular health. Your health provider will check your blood pressure and follow up if you have elevated or high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Tips
In addition to meeting with your doctor, here are a few tips to manage your heart health while we continue to experience warm days:
Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.
Reduce caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Stay indoors during peak heat hours; 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
If you don’t have access to air conditioning, use fans to circulate air.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing such as linen material.
Exercise during early mornings or evening hours.
Eat light meals or a “Heart Healthy” Diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts.