HOT WEATHER

Q

I’m 74, and I don’t seem to be able to endure hot weather the way I used to  when I was younger. Is this a common experience as we age?

A.

This is a great question to ponder in the middle of winter; I actually feel like going for a swim. Trouble with heat is common to older people. I don’t play golf when it’s over 90 degrees anymore because it makes me a bit woozy even if I drink a lot of water and seek out the shade. My reaction to heat is caused by blood pressure drugs that I take, my age (71), and some extra pounds I’m struggling to lose. Too much heat can make you sick. All of the heat-related conditions come under the heading, “hyperthermia,” which means “high heat.”

The following are some of the maladies caused by excessive heat:

STROKE Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. This is an emergency condition. You must seek medical assistant immediately. Many victims of heat stroke die from it. Most are over 50 years old. In 1980, a heat wave in the United States killed almost 1,700 people. In 2003, tens of thousands of people died of the heat in Europe. The symptoms of heat stroke are a body temperature above 103°F; red, hot and dry skin with no sign of sweat; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea and exhaustion.

EXHAUSTION If you become exhausted on a hot day, your body is telling you that it can’t maintain its cool. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, thirst, dizziness, weakness, lack of coordination and nausea. Resting in a cool place, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting medical care should help.

CRAMPS Heat can make the muscles in your arms, legs and abdomen tighten. This can be very painful. Cramps can be caused by physical exertion on a hot day. Go somewhere cool, rest and drink a lot of water.

EDEMA Your ankles and feet can become swollen when it’s hot. To combat heat edema, raise your legs onto a foot stool. If this doesn’t give you immediate relief, see your doctor.

SYNCOPE Like me, you could become dizzy when you are active in the heat. Those of us who take a beta blocker and diuretics for high blood pressure are especially prone to heat syncope. Raise your legs and rest somewhere cool.

People older than 65 are more likely to suffer from heat problems than younger people.

Seniors don’t adjust as well as they did to sudden temperature changes. They may have a medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.

And, they are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

You can prevent heat problems by following these tips: drink cool (nonalcoholic) beverages, rest, don’t exert yourself outdoors, get into a cool shower or pool, try to nd an air-conditioned environment, and wear lightweight clothes.

HEART FAILURE

Q

What can you do to prevent heart failure?

A.

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure. For starters, you should keep the following levels down: body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar, alcohol and salt. Exercise regularly. And, if you smoke, quit.

The most common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, which usually occurs in the ankles, feet and legs. Swelling is caused by fluid buildup in the body and can lead to weight gain, frequent urination and a cough.

Because the symptoms are common for other conditions, your doctor will determine if you have heart failure by doing a detailed medical history, an examination and several tests. There is no cure for heart failure, but it can be controlled.

People with CHF are usually put on a low-salt diet to prevent fluid build-up. Their doctors may also tell them to lose weight, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol intake.

Medications that are used include: diuretics, “water pills” to reduce fluid; ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure and reduce heart stress; beta-blockers to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure; Digoxin to help the heart beat stronger.

Fred Cicetti is a freelance writer who specializes in health. He has been writing professionally since 1963. Before he began freelancing, he was a reporter and columnist for three daily newspapers in New Jersey. Email questions to fredcicetti@gmail.com.