23/06/2025
As temperatures soar across the UK, we’re sharing 8 top tips to help protect your heart in the heat. (See below)
1. Drink plenty of fluids: This will help make up for the fact you are sweating more than usual and prevent your blood pressure from dropping too much. If you have been told to restrict your fluid intake, for example if you have heart failure, speak to your GP or heart failure nurse about other ways to keep cool.
2. Keep your home cool: Cover windows exposed to direct sunlight with shutter, blinds or curtains, and open windows if it’s cooler outside than in your home. Turn off any lights or electrical equipment you don’t need, as they can make your home feel hotter.
3. Take care if you have angina: If you use a GTN spray to control your angina, take extra care in hot weather. A GTN spray can dilate your blood vessels quickly which causes your blood pressure to suddenly drop, which may make you feel faint.
4. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can make you more dehydrated.
5. Eat cold foods: Food with a high water content such as salad or fruit can help keep you cool, and are great sources of vitamins and minerals.
6. Spend time in the shade: It may be cooler outside of your home than inside, especially if you stay out of the sun in the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry water with you.
7. Avoid exercise: It’s best to avoid extreme physical exercise in high temperatures. If you do exercise, make sure to stay hydrated.
8. Wear light clothes: Loose fitting clothing made of natural fibres such as linen or cotton can help keep you cool.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2025/june/hot-weather-advice-heart-patients-yellow-heat-alert
