- Extreme heat strains the heart, especially in those with existing conditions.
- Dr. Sochanski emphasizes awareness of age, medications and hydration for heart health.
- Certain drinks and medications increase heat sensitivity, posing additional risks.
SALT LAKE CITY — Summer heat isn't just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, especially for people living with heart conditions. Dr. Miroslaw Sochanski of CommonSpirit Health recently broke down why high temperatures put extra strain on the heart and what everyone, especially older adults and those on heart medications, should keep in mind.
Heat makes the heart work harder
Sochanski explained that rising temperatures trigger a chain reaction in the body.
"When the heat goes up, usually our body temperature goes up … and then it tends to (make) our heart work harder, and the heart speeds up, and then it starts to have a cascade of problems if we're not conditioned," he said.
He emphasized that age plays a major role in vulnerability.
"Older we get, the more careful we have to be," he said. That means older adults should be especially mindful of time spent outdoors and how their bodies respond to heat."
Hydration is essential — but it's not always simple
Hydration is one of the most important defenses against heat‑related heart stress, but Sochanski made it clear that it's not as simple as just drinking more water.
"First of all, we have to make sure not to get dehydrated (in the first place)," he said. But he also warned that certain drinks work against you.
"Any sweets, any Coke, Pepsi, coffee," he said.
Those beverages, he said, can worsen dehydration.
"Those beverages dehydrate because of caffeine content … and high sugar content," he said.
Medications can increase heat sensitivity
For people taking heart medications, the summer sun can pose an unexpected risk. Sochanski highlighted that many common prescriptions can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
He listed several categories.
"We have to be very careful if we're on heart medications. That applies to water pills, that applies to high blood pressure medications like lisinopril, losartan or calcium blockers … Also statins and antiarrhythmics," he said.
These medications can dramatically reduce the amount of time someone can safely be in the sun.
"If we were able to be exposed to sun for an hour without getting burned … when we're on the medication, that time can be shortened to 10, 15 minutes," he said.
Know your condition, know your risks
When asked for the single most important takeaway, Sochanski kept it simple: awareness.
"The key is to be aware of your condition … your age, and then what medications one takes," he said.
And of course, hydration remains a top priority. He clarified that hydration isn't just about water — electrolytes matter too.
"Hydration means drinking water with some electrolytes," he emphasized. Because the body loses both water and salt in the heat.
"We sweat water and salt … so we need to substitute the salt. If we don't substitute salt with water, then we still get dehydrated," he said.
A final reminder
Sochanski's guidance is a timely reminder as temperatures climb: Understand your health, stay hydrated the right way, and be mindful of how medications may change your heat tolerance. He underscores that heat safety isn't just about comfort — it's about protecting your heart.
For more information about protecting your heart in extreme heat, visit CommonSpirit's Heart Health Matters
