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Rachel V Thomas

Can Extreme Heat Trigger Heart Palpitations? Expert Explains Risks

As summer heat intensifies both in India and globally, many people may experience unusual heart sensations such as a racing heartbeat, chest fluttering, skipped beats, or pounding sensations, even while resting.

Speaking to <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>, Dr. L.K. Jha, Associate Director and Head Unit-II, Cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said that heatwaves can significantly increase the risk of <span>heart palpitations</span>.

Normal healthy people may experience occasional mild palpitations due to heat exposure, which usually resolve with rest, fluids, and cooling off. However, experts warn that when palpitations are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, extreme light-headedness, or recurring episodes while resting, they may indicate an underlying cardiac rhythm issue requiring medical attention.

“The association between heatwaves and palpitations occurs more frequently than people think,” Dr. Jha said.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Dehydration</span>: A Key Risk Factor</h2>

The human body constantly works to maintain a stable internal temperature.

During <span>extreme heat</span>, blood vessels dilate to release heat through the skin, while the heart pumps faster to circulate blood and cool the body. According to Dr. Jha, this additional strain on the cardiovascular system can make the heartbeat feel stronger or irregular, especially in people sensitive to heat.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/heatwave-in-india-temperatures-continuously-rising-stay-hydrated-says-pm-modi-article-154407316" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heatwave In India: Temperatures Continuously Rising; Stay Hydrated, Says PM Modi</a>

Dr. Jha explained that dehydration is one of the biggest contributors to heat-related palpitations.

Excessive sweating leads to the loss of water and essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are crucial for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.

“Dehydration can lower blood pressure, forcing the heart to beat faster, which may cause dizziness, shakiness, or pounding sensations,” he said.

<h2>Existing Health Conditions Can Increase Risk</h2>

Heatwaves may also worsen existing conditions such as anxiety, thyroid disorders, anemia, diabetes, and <span>heart disease</span>, increasing the likelihood of palpitations.

Certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, asthma inhalers, as well as excessive consumption of caffeine or energy drinks, may further contribute to irregular heartbeats during hot weather, Dr. Jha told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

Sleep disturbances caused by hot nights can also trigger stress hormones in the body, potentially leading to rapid heartbeat episodes or fluttering sensations.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/climate-change-fueling-chikungunya-spread-to-europe-north-america-warns-study-article-154415551" data-type="tilCustomLink">Climate Change Fueling Chikungunya Spread To Europe, North America, Warns Study</a>

Dr. Jha noted that occasional mild palpitations due to heat exposure are common and often improve with rest, hydration, and cooling down.

Doctors recommend drinking fluids regularly, replenishing electrolytes through coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water, or Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake during heatwaves.

However, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate a more serious condition.

“If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe light-headedness, or repeated episodes while resting, immediate medical evaluation is necessary,” Dr. Jha warned.

He added that some heat-related palpitations may actually signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder requiring treatment.

<h2>Yellow Alert In Delhi; <span rel="noindex">Heat Dome in Europe</span></h2>

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for <span>heatwave</span> conditions in Delhi.

Heatwave conditions in the national capital are expected to continue till tomorrow, with maximum temperatures remaining between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius.

The IMD forecast also includes relief in the form of thunderstorms, dust storms, and light rainfall from May 28 evening onwards.

At the same time, European countries like France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany are experiencing early heatwaves and record-breaking conditions.

The sweltering heat conditions have affected scores of people, reportedly resulting in the deaths of about seven people in France. The unusually high temperatures early in May are being triggered by a phenomenon called a “<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/heat-dome-triggering-record-breaking-may-temperatures-in-france-uk-spain-article-154401273" data-type="tilCustomLink">heat dome</a>”.

As a result, southern and southwestern regions, including Portugal, Spain, and France, will experience daytime temperature highs of 38°C. The majority of France is under a moderate to high temperature warning, while Germany and the UK are witnessing maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C, the Euronews reported.

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Extreme Heat

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Dehydration

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As summer heat intensifies both in India and globally, many people may experience unusual heart sensations such as a racing heartbeat, chest fluttering, skipped beats, or pounding sensations, even while resting.Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. L.K. Jha, Associate Director and Head Unit-II, Cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said that heatwaves can significantly increase the risk of heart palpitations.Normal healthy people may experience occasional mild palpitations due to heat exposure, which usually resolve with rest, fluids, and cooling off. However, experts warn that when palpitations are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, extreme light-headedness, or recurring episodes while resting, they may indicate an underlying cardiac rhythm issue requiring medical attention.“The association between heatwaves and palpitations occurs more frequently than people think,” Dr. Jha said.Dehydration: A Key Risk FactorThe human body constantly works to maintain a stable internal temperature.During extreme heat, blood vessels dilate to release heat through the skin, while the heart pumps faster to circulate blood and cool the body. According to Dr. Jha, this additional strain on the cardiovascular system can make the heartbeat feel stronger or irregular, especially in people sensitive to heat.Also read: Heatwave In India: Temperatures Continuously Rising; Stay Hydrated, Says PM ModiDr. Jha explained that dehydration is one of the biggest contributors to heat-related palpitations.Excessive sweating leads to the loss of water and essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are crucial for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.“Dehydration can lower blood pressure, forcing the heart to beat faster, which may cause dizziness, shakiness, or pounding sensations,” he said.Existing Health Conditions Can Increase RiskHeatwaves may also worsen existing conditions such as anxiety, thyroid disorders, anemia, diabetes, and heart disease, increasing the likelihood of palpitations.Certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, asthma inhalers, as well as excessive consumption of caffeine or energy drinks, may further contribute to irregular heartbeats during hot weather, Dr. Jha told HealthandMe.Sleep disturbances caused by hot nights can also trigger stress hormones in the body, potentially leading to rapid heartbeat episodes or fluttering sensations.Also read: Climate Change Fueling Chikungunya Spread To Europe, North America, Warns StudyWhen To Seek Medical Help?Dr. Jha noted that occasional mild palpitations due to heat exposure are common and often improve with rest, hydration, and cooling down.Doctors recommend drinking fluids regularly, replenishing electrolytes through coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water, or Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake during heatwaves.However, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate a more serious condition.“If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe light-headedness, or repeated episodes while resting, immediate medical evaluation is necessary,” Dr. Jha warned.He added that some heat-related palpitations may actually signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder requiring treatment.Yellow Alert In Delhi; Heat Dome in EuropeMeanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi.Heatwave conditions in the national capital are expected to continue till tomorrow, with maximum temperatures remaining between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius.The IMD forecast also includes relief in the form of thunderstorms, dust storms, and light rainfall from May 28 evening onwards.At the same time, European countries like France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany are experiencing early heatwaves and record-breaking conditions.The sweltering heat conditions have affected scores of people, reportedly resulting in the deaths of about seven people in France. The unusually high temperatures early in May are being triggered by a phenomenon called a “heat dome”.As a result, southern and southwestern regions, including Portugal, Spain, and France, will experience daytime temperature highs of 38°C. The majority of France is under a moderate to high temperature warning, while Germany and the UK are witnessing maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C, the Euronews reported.

can extreme heat trigger heart palpitations? expert explains risks

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