Sunscreen, Hydration, and Heart Meds: A Summer Safety Guide for Patients with a Chronic Illness  

Summer is a time for outdoor fun, but it can pose challenges for people living with chronic health conditions. 

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or another ongoing medical condition, the combination of heat, sun exposure, and certain medications can increase your risk of dehydration, heat-related illness, and cardiovascular complications.

Our providers here at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology offer a few simple tips that can help you stay healthy while making the most of the season.

Hydrate to support heart health

Your heart works harder when temperatures climb. As your body tries to cool itself through sweating, you lose both water and electrolytes. 

If you become dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, forcing your heart to pump harder to circulate blood throughout your body. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and added strain on your cardiovascular system.

We recommend you drink water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. 

If you have heart failure or kidney disease and have been instructed to limit your fluid intake, continue following that recommendation, but ask if you should make any changes during the summer months.

Understand the effect of medications in the heat

Many medications prescribed for heart disease and other chronic conditions can change how your body responds to hot weather. Diuretics increase fluid loss, while some blood pressure medications can make you more prone to lightheadedness or dizziness when standing. 

Certain medications may also affect your body's ability to regulate temperature or increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Never stop taking your medications because of the heat. Instead, contact us if you're concerned about spending time outdoors, exercising in warm weather, or staying properly hydrated.

Protect your skin while you're outside

Sun protection isn't just about preventing sunburn. Some medications, including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and other commonly prescribed drugs, can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Whenever you're outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Also, wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Plan outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible.

Listen to your body

Whether you're gardening, golfing, or taking your daily walk, pay attention to how you feel. Slow down, rest in the shade when needed, and don't ignore symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, unusual shortness of breath, nausea, or excessive fatigue. 

If you experience chest pain, fainting, confusion, or severe difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Summer safety is part of your care plan

Living with a chronic condition doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all summer. Learn to plan ahead to protect your health.

Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, understanding how your medications interact with heat, and recognizing the early signs of heat-related illness can help you safely enjoy everything the season has to offer.

We offer chronic disease management to help you stay healthy all year round. 

Call us at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology or use our online tool to schedule your appointment. If you have questions about your medications, heart health, or how to stay safe during the summer, schedule an appointment with us.

We’re conveniently located south of Boston in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and proudly extend our services to communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties.