Summer Exercise Should Be Heart Wise

Summer is a great time for getting in shape, but warm weather exercising can also be hazardous, a U.S. heart expert warns.

Dr. Holly Andersen of New York City's NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York warns summer exercising can lead to dehydration, profuse sweating, exhaustion and even a cardiac event.

"Exercise is the fountain of youth and summer is the perfect time to get reconnected with your body," Andersen says in a statement. However, Andersen advises people see a doctor before beginning or changing an exercise regimen in any way.

Andersen also recommends to:

• Start exercise regimens slowly with time for breaks and for drinking enough water. Endurance athletes and those over age 75 or prone to lightheadedness from low blood pressure may need to replenish salt as well.
• Take advantage of the cooler morning and evening hours and applying sunscreen. A sunburn decreases the body's ability to cool itself off. 
• Exercise in a cool, air-conditioned space when its too hot or humid. Temperature extremes can interfere with circulation -- making breathing difficult and causing chest pain. Sauna baths or extremely hot or cold showers after work-outs also add to the heart's workload.