Angela Hartley, a cardiac nurse with more than 49,000 followers on TikTok, has issued crucial advice for people with heart conditions as the UK heatwave intensifies, with temperatures forecast to hit 40°C in some areas.
Key Tips for Staying Safe
Hartley emphasized the importance of taking it easy. 'If you normally commute in and you know you're gonna be on the tube or the train and it always gets stuck and you always get overheated at the best of times, work from home,' she said.
She also advised keeping bedding cool by peeling back layers, keeping blinds and curtains closed, and opening windows only after 11pm when temperatures drop. 'Open up everything, get that air in, get the fan on, circulate that cooler air,' she recommended.
Unusual but Effective Cooling Methods
One unconventional tip involves putting pyjamas or a T-shirt in the fridge or freezer to wear later. 'Sounds crazy, but it'll be so nice to put on later,' Hartley said.
She urged people to monitor their urine colour, which should be 'almost clear.' Dark urine indicates dehydration, requiring increased water intake. She also warned against caffeine due to its diuretic effect, which can worsen dehydration.
Managing Blood Pressure
Extreme heat can cause blood pressure to drop as blood vessels dilate. Hartley recommended snacking on salty foods like olives to help raise blood pressure. 'If you do feel a little bit woozy, take your blood pressure. If it is on the low side, have an extra glass of water,' she advised. She also cautioned against sudden postural changes to avoid dizziness.
Heatwave Duration and Forecast
The Met Office stated that Thursday marks the peak of the heat for many, but extreme heat will persist in eastern areas through Friday and Saturday, with Amber warnings in place. The far southeast will remain warmest until Saturday, with highs around 32°C. By Sunday, temperatures could drop by about 15°C, with Cardiff reaching 20°C and London 26°C.
A red weather warning has been extended through Friday for London and parts of southeast England. A Met Office spokesperson said: 'Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.'
