Heat waves have increased cardiovascular mortality, according to cardiologist Magdalena Perelló in her recent statements in La Razón. This extreme climate phenomenon directly affects the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of serious complications in vulnerable patients. The expert has emphasized that understanding this relationship is key to preventing greater damage to heart health.
Based on her book Corazón sano, Perelló has delved into how high temperatures impact the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. During heat waves, blood vessels tend to dilate, which causes a drop in blood pressure. This imbalance can be dangerous, especially for people with hypertension or heart failure, who experience worsened symptoms under these conditions.
High temperatures and sedentary life: a high-risk combination
Additionally, extreme heat promotes dehydration, a factor that thickens the blood and increases the risk of clot formation. These clots can block arteries and trigger events such as heart attacks or strokes, so the incidence of these problems rises during heat waves. According to Perelló, it is essential for patients with cardiovascular diseases to take extra precautions during these periods.
The specialist also warns about the importance of not normalizing harmful lifestyle habits that worsen cardiovascular damage. Spending many hours sitting, consuming ultra-processed foods, sleeping poorly, and living with constant stress inflame and damage the arteries. This prolonged inflammation generates atheroma plaques that hinder blood flow and raise blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of suffering heart attacks or strokes.
The link between brain and heart, stronger than we think
Meanwhile, the cardiologist has explained that the link between the heart and the brain is close and bidirectional. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which speeds up heart rate and blood pressure, promoting arterial inflammation. Interestingly, negative emotions kept over time alter hormonal balance and can even cause "broken heart syndrome," which mimics a heart attack but has an emotional origin.
Additionally, positive emotions, such as joy and laughter, have a protective effect. They release endorphins and oxytocin, which relax the arteries and reduce blood pressure, showing that taking care of mental health is just as important as physical health to keep a healthy heart. In her book, she also proposes habits and recommendations to improve cardiovascular health in a practical and accessible way.
How to take care of your cardiovascular health effectively
Regarding vacations, Perelló has commented that getting good rest helps lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and normalize blood pressure. Studies show that those who do not enjoy regular breaks have a higher risk of suffering heart attacks. For this reason, she recommends spreading out small moments of rest throughout the year instead of waiting for just a few weeks to recover.
Nutrition also plays a key role, according to the specialist. Eating ultra-processed foods even while keeping a healthy diet increases spikes in triglycerides and oxidized LDL cholesterol, damaging the arteries. The foundation should be a balanced and consistent diet, with fiber, vegetables, and fermented foods that promote a protective gut microbiota.
Finally, she has reminded that regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. WHO recommends 2.5 hours (150 min) of moderate aerobic activity per week and two strength sessions, adjusting the intensity according to age and risk factors. Before starting a more demanding regimen, she has advised a cardiovascular checkup to detect possible hidden problems.