What hot weather does to your heart - and 8 ways to protect it this week

People with heart conditions have been warned of the potential dangers of hot weather as temperatures soar across the UK. In hot weather, the heart has to work harder to keep the body's core temperature at normal levels, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Warmer temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.

The charity said studies have shown that this puts people with cardiovascular disease at greater risk of health complications and even death, though more research is needed. Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, said: "You can be at greater risk from the heat if you have a heart condition, as high temperatures can put extra strain on your heart.

"Elderly people and very young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so can be more at risk from extreme temperatures.

"In hot weather, check on your friends and relatives regularly to make sure they are cool and comfortable. The most important way you can protect your heart in the heat is to stay cool and keep hydrated."

People with heart conditions can reduce their risk of complications by taking simple precautions, the charity said.

The advice is particularly crucial this week, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of up to 35C in London and towards Cambridge.

Here are the BHF's eight top tips for protecting your heart in the heat:

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. Water is best but milk, sports drinks, diluted squash, fruit juice, tea, and coffee all count. 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.