Atrium Health doctor shares heart health tips for staying safe during Middle Georgia’s extreme heat

Dr. Erskine James with Atrium Health said dehydration is one of the biggest concerns, especially for people with heart disease.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As temperatures continue to climb across Middle Georgia, doctors are seeing more patients affected by the summer heat.

Dr. Erskine James with Atrium Health said dehydration is one of the biggest concerns, especially for people with heart disease.

“When you have a weak heart, you’re losing a lot of water from your body,” James said. “People are coming in dehydrated, and their kidneys aren’t working as well because the heart can’t keep up with the heat and fluid loss.”

James said he’s noticed more heat-related cases this year, partly because many people weren’t prepared for how quickly temperatures increased after a mild spring.

The best way to stay healthy, he said, is to drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty.

“If your urine is dark yellow, you’re not drinking enough,” James said. “You want it to be a pale yellow.”

People taking medications such as lisinopril, losartan or diuretics like Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide should be especially mindful because those medications can increase fluid loss or reduce the body’s thirst response.

James also recommends choosing water over energy drinks or caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.

In addition to staying hydrated, he encourages people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between noon and 4 p.m., and to use air conditioning whenever possible.

For those wanting to monitor conditions, James recommends using the CDC’s HeatRisk tool. By entering a ZIP code, users can view their local heat risk and find recommendations for staying safe in extreme temperatures.