If it feels like Nebraska is heating up more than usual this summer, you’re not wrong. Researchers are predicting that the summer of 2025 will be hotter than normal for Nebraska and much of the central United States.
Rising temperatures and thick humidity are more than just uncomfortable — they can take a real toll on your cardiovascular system.
Here at Midwest Regional Health Services in Omaha, Nebraska, our dedicated healthcare team helps you stay safe and healthy through the hottest months. Whether you’re managing a heart condition or simply trying to protect your overall wellness, it’s important to understand how high heat impacts your heart. Read on to learn more and to know what steps you can take to stay safe.
When temperatures rise, your body works harder to cool itself down. For every degree your core temperature rises, your heart beats about 10 extra times per minute. That can mean a 10–17% increase in heart workload during extreme heat.
Your body also increases blood flow to the skin’s surface to help release heat. This boost in circulation can elevate your blood pressure and put added strain on your cardiovascular system. This is especially concerning for anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other circulatory issues.
And, when your body sweats more to regulate temperature, you experience fluid loss along with the loss of vital electrolytes like sodium and potassium. This puts you at risk for dehydration, a condition that can quickly worsen heart symptoms and increase the chances of a medical emergency.
Whether you're out at the lake, attending the county fair, or just going for a walk in your neighborhood, here are important tips to safeguard your heart on hot Nebraska days:
Stay indoors or in air-conditioned spaces between 12 PM and 5 PM when temperatures are at their highest.
Drink water regularly, especially before and during any physical activity. Aim for a cup every 15–20 minutes when you’re active outdoors.
Choose light-colored, breathable clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outside.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, as both can dehydrate you faster in hot weather.
Don’t push yourself when it’s hot. Rest in the shade often and listen to your body.
Heat-related illnesses can come on quickly. Be alert for signs such as:
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing, move to a cool place, and hydrate immediately. In more severe cases, seek medical attention without delay.
If you’re living with a heart condition — such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or coronary artery disease — take extra precautions in the heat and humidity. On days when Nebraska's heat index is particularly high, it’s safest to stay indoors in air-conditioned environments and avoid outdoor activities until the evening.
As temperatures rise across Nebraska, your best defense is preparation. Protecting your heart from heat stress is possible with the right preventive care. If you have concerns about managing heart health during the summer months, we’re here to help.
Schedule a visit at Midwest Regional Health Services today to stay on top of your wellness. This way you stay healthy no matter how high the thermometer climbs.
