5 Signs Your Heart Needs a Check-Up This Summer

Summer is a season of sunshine, vacations, and outdoor adventures but it’s also an important time to check in on your heart health. While many associate heart issues with colder weather, the summer heat and increased activity levels can place extra stress on your cardiovascular system. Spotting subtle symptoms early can make all the difference. Here are five signs that your heart might be due for a check-up.

1. Fatigue That Doesn’t Match Your Activity Level

If you find yourself unusually tired after minimal exertion, it could be more than just the heat. Chronic fatigue, especially when it isn’t explained by poor sleep or overexertion, may indicate that your heart isn’t pumping efficiently.

2. Shortness of Breath

Feeling winded after climbing a single flight of stairs or walking short distances in the heat? While warm weather can make breathing feel heavier, persistent shortness of breath particularly when paired with chest discomfort may signal underlying cardiovascular issues.

3. Irregular Heartbeats

According to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) are often overlooked, especially when they feel like minor flutters or skipped beats. But persistent irregular rhythms can be a warning sign of atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm disorders.

4. Swelling in the Legs or Feet

Swelling in your lower extremities during the summer might seem normal due to heat and travel. However, consistent swelling can indicate fluid retention a sign your heart may not be circulating blood efficiently.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Feeling dizzy after standing up or during routine activity can be related to dehydration, which is common in summer. But when accompanied by heart palpitations or fainting spells, it could signal a cardiovascular issue that requires immediate attention.

Why Summer Is the Right Time for a Heart Check-Up

Summer routines often bring more flexibility in scheduling and opportunities to refocus on personal health. As noted by Stony Brook Heart Institute, “preventative care during the warmer months can help you stay active and avoid complications later in the year.”

Plus, high temperatures and dehydration can exacerbate heart problems, especially for older adults and those with existing conditions. Staying ahead with a check-up now can help you enjoy your summer plans with confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t ignore the signs your heart may be sending. A proactive check-up could help catch concerns early and give you peace of mind.

🗓️ Book your heart health appointment today: Schedule Now

Stay healthy, stay safe, and enjoy your summer with heart-smart habits!

Resources

pH Labs. (n.d.). Your Summer Heart Check-Up. Retrieved from https://phlabs.com/your-summer-heart-check-up

Stony Brook Heart Institute. (n.d.). Summer Heart Health Tips. Retrieved from https://heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu/summer

St. Vincent’s Medical Center. (n.d.). Stay Heart-Healthy This Summer. Retrieved from https://stvincents.org/about-us/news-press/news-detail?articleId=54116&publicid=395