DENVER — This heat wave we're approaching isn't just going to be uncomfortable – doctors are warning these hot temperatures can be deadly, especially for those with heart conditions.
“There are definitely health risks that go along with the high temperatures. People who are elderly, people that are very young, small children, they don’t have the same regulatory capacity for temperature as other people do. And so they’re at higher risk," said Dr. Minisha Kochar, a cardiologist with National Jewish Health. "People with underlying heart disease, people with diabetes, people with hypertension, these all pose much greater risk in heat waves."
With temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits, Kochar said this heat can put a big strain on your heart.
"When their body is exposed to the stress of that extreme heat for long periods of time, that can tip people over to where they start experiencing symptoms of heart failure," Kochar said. "We do oftentimes have patients that will call that might have more congestive heart failure symptoms, they might be consuming more fluid because of the heat. And so they might go into congestive heart failure."
That's concerning, she said, because cardiovascular diseases are already the number one killer worldwide.
And while Denver's temperatures will eventually drop, these hot stretches are here to stay.
"Studies are showing that temperatures are rising," Kochar said. "And so this is something that we'll have to deal with more and more in the future."
With this hot weather ahead, Kochar said she recommends limiting your time outside if possible, even if you don't have heart disease.
If you want to go outside to garden or exercise, try and do it in the morning or in the evening when it's cooler outside.
And if you can't avoid being out in the heat of the day, make sure you seek out shade where possible, wear lighter clothing, stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine.