Caring For A Loved One With CHF This Summer

As we enjoy our favorite outdoor summer activities, along with summer, comes the heat. It’s a time when those of us coping with cardiac issues such as CHF, or congestive heart failure, need to be extra careful. Studies show that seasonal changes influence nearly every type of cardiovascular disease.[1] Experts suggest that understanding and anticipating how that might affect cardiac conditions can help us avoid the risk of complications.[2] If you are caring for a loved one with CHF this summer, please read on.

CHF has proven to be sensitive to increases in temperature and activity, so this is a time to be vigilant. Healthcare professionals know that being observant of weather changes may help improve treatment for patients coping with cardiac disease by alerting their patients to take preventive measures to avoid any exacerbation of symptoms.[2] If that works for your doctor, it’s going to work of you.

If you are wondering how summer activities might increase CHF symptoms, here are a few things to keep in mind. Be observant. Summer and can elevate the risk of cardiac complications. 

1 - Delayed Recognition of Symptoms: During warmer months, we may attribute our symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, to heat or physical exertion rather than recognizing them as signs of worsening CHF. Delayed recognition and management of symptoms can lead to complications and hospitalizations.

2 - Increased Physical Activity: Warmer weather often encourages people to engage in more outdoor activities such as gardening, walking, or participating in sports. While physical activity is generally beneficial for heart health, individuals with CHF may find it challenging to maintain their exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac function. Overexertion can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

3 - Heat and Humidity: Higher temperatures and humidity levels can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system, especially for people with CHF. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased demand on the heart to maintain adequate circulation. This can exacerbate symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.

4 - Fluid Retention: In warmer weather, people may consume more fluids to stay hydrated, which can worsen fluid retention in those of us with CHF. Excess fluid can accumulate in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or other parts of the body, leading to increased breathing difficulties, swelling, and weight gain.

5 - Changes in Diet: Spring and summer often bring changes in dietary habits, including increased consumption of salty foods, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings where high-sodium snacks and alcoholic beverages are common. Excessive salt and alcohol intake can increase fluid retention and elevate blood pressure, worsening CHF symptoms.

6 - Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Pollen and other spring and summer allergens can trigger respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, which can worsen breathing difficulties for those of us with CHF. Allergic reactions can also lead to inflammation and increased stress on our cardiovascular systems.

7 - Stress and Anxiety: While spring and summer are often associated with leisure and outdoor activities, they can also bring stressors such as family gatherings, travel, and planning vacations. Stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure and heart rate, potentially worsening CHF symptoms.

Here are a few tips to help protect our loved ones as the temperatures rise.

1 - Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. Consult your doctor for specific fluid intake recommendations, CHF patients often have fluid restrictions.

2 - Monitor Salt Intake: Excessive salt intake can worsen fluid retention and increase CHF symptoms. Limit salt intake and avoid highly processed foods, which tend to be high in sodium.

3 - Stay Cool: Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and use fans or air conditioning to keep cool. If you don't have air conditioning at home, consider visiting air-conditioned public places like shopping malls or libraries.

4 - Wear Lightweight Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton can help us stay comfortable in hot weather.

5 - Monitor Symptoms: Monitor symptoms closely and contact your doctor if symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue get worse.

6 - Follow Medication Regimens: Ensure prescribed medications are taken in correct dosages and on schedule. Some medications may need to be adjusted during hot weather, so it's essential to follow your doctor’s orders.

7 - Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Light exercise, such as walking in the early morning or evening when it's cooler, may be more appropriate.

8 - Keep Medications Cool: Heat can affect how well certain medications work. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

9 - Plan Ahead: Plan outdoor activities carefully. Schedule them for cooler times of the day and take frequent breaks in the shade.

10 - Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: If symptoms worsen or become severe, seek medical attention immediately. Heat-related illnesses can make CHF symptoms worse and require prompt medical treatment.

If you are caring for a loved one with CHF this summer, be vigilant about monitoring symptoms to avoid the potential for complications. Symptoms vary widely and not everyone will experience all of these, but here are a few common symptoms to watch for.

1 - Shortness of breath: This is common for CHF and can worsen in hot weather due to increased stress on the cardiovascular system. If you find yourself becoming shorter of breath than usual, especially during physical activity or in hot environments, it could indicate a risk for CHF complications.

2 - Swelling (edema): Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen can worsen in hot weather. Heat can cause blood vessels to dilate and fluid retention to increase, which can make edema worse with CHF.

3 - Fatigue: Heat can cause fatigue and weakness, which may be more pronounced with CHF due to the heart's decreased ability to pump effectively. If you feel unusually tired or weak, it could be a sign of worsening heart failure.

4 - Increased heart rate: Hot weather can lead to an increased heart rate as the body works harder to cool itself down. People with CHF may notice a more pronounced increase in heart rate due to heat.

5 - Difficulty sleeping: Heat can disrupt sleep patterns, and those with CHF may find it even more challenging to sleep comfortably in hot weather. Difficulty breathing, increased fluid retention, and discomfort due to heat can all contribute to sleep disturbances.

6 - Dizziness or lightheadedness: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can occur more easily in hot weather, can increase symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness for those with CHF.

7 - Decreased urine output: Heat can lead to dehydration, which can worsen fluid retention in people with CHF. Monitoring urine output can provide valuable information about fluid balance and hydration status.

Remember that providing the best care does not mean you have to do it all. Consider aligning support from family and friends. Accepting support and avoiding caregiver burnout will be vital in your ability to continue providing care and support. Aligning professional help can also be of immense benefit.

Ascend Hospice is knowledgeable and experienced in helping families cope with CHF. Ascend works with your physicians to develop individualized plans of care based on your specific medical needs. Patient specific care plans account for where you are in the disease progression and maintain a focus on your goals and wishes. Our expert care and symptom control can help you or your loved one avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and ER visits. We can help you focus on quality of life.

1 - Stewart S., Keates A.K., Redfern A., McMurray J.J.V. Seasonal variations in cardiovascular disease. Nat. Rev. Cardiol. 2017;14:654–664. doi: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.76.

2 - National library of medicine article PMC9099623