Regardless of the time of year, regular exercise plays an important role in keeping yourself healthy and fit. This is especially true if you have coronary artery disease (CAD). However, you may be tempted to pass on exercise when the weather heats up. Though there are risks in summer exercise for someone with narrowed arteries from CAD, a few extra precautions can keep you active throughout the season.

Heat hazards
Working out in the heat can be stressful on your body. Heavy sweating can rob you of fluids and minerals. It also can make it harder for your body temperature to stay in the "safe" zone.

If your body is too hot for too long, you could develop heatstroke, a kind of heat-related illness that can be deadly. Having CAD raises your risk for heatstroke. Other conditions, like high blood pressure, poor circulation or obesity, also can put you at risk.

In addition, certain heart medicines called beta-blockers can make you more likely to get light-headed in the heat. This type of heat-related illness is called heat syncope.

If you have CAD and have your doctor's approval to exercise, it's wise to approach summertime workouts with a little extra care. Give your body time to adjust to the rising temperatures. In other words, don't work out on the first hot day of the season.

Other summer exercise tips

• Schedule outdoor activities when it's cooler: In the mornings and evenings. Working out in the water is another option.
• Keep an eye on weather reports so you can plan ahead. If it's too hot outside, work out in an air-conditioned environment indoors. Walk in the mall or exercise along with a fitness video at home.
• When you're active, drink two to four glasses (16 to 32 ounces) of fluid every hour. If you're on a low-salt diet, you may need to avoid sports drinks, which contain salt and other minerals. Also, stay away from drinks with caffeine, which can make you lose more fluids.
• Stop and rest if exercising in the heat makes your heart pound and breathing difficult.

FREE Healthy Heart Kit!
Your heart health is important to us. That's why we're giving away FREE Healthy Heart Kits! They include information on heart health, nutrition, exercise, risk factors and much more. Please visit www.texomamedicalcenter.net and fill out our online form by Friday, June 19. Hurry -- quantities are limited!

Beat the heat!
Want to stay in shape and out of the heat? Our Wellness Program features year-round indoor aquatic exercise sessions, fitness classes and more. To learn more or join, call 903.416.1233.

P.O. Box 890 Denison, Texas 75021-0890