Summer, Summer, Summertime! Why This Summer Matters for Black Heart Health
Every summer, Will Smith’s “Summertime” comes to mind, where he urges us to unwind. Before you step out and unwind, we encourage you to be mindful of the heat and its potential impact on your heart and health. Are you heart ready?
Hotter Days
Colorado weather has presented differently this year, with snow in May and super-hot spring days, intermittently. Traditionally Metro Denver summers have been sunny and the heat tolerable. However, some toasty days may be in store this summer. The Colorado Climate Center notes that Colorado statewide temperatures have warmed — seven of the top 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 2010.
Summertime in Metro Denver has been great. There’s nothing quite like a backyard cookout, community music fests, or the Black Arts Festival. But as we gear up for another season of blazing sunshine, it is time for a real conversation about high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
According to national statistics, over 58% of Black adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). But when you mix that reality with Colorado’s unique climate and urban landscape, summer becomes more than just vacation season. It is a time to protect our hearts.
The Perfect Storm: Altitude, Asphalt, and the Heart
In Colorado, we don’t just deal with the heat — we deal with the environment. Managing blood pressure here during July and August comes with unique challenges.
People might think of Colorado as a cool mountain escape, but Denver actually ranks among the top three cities in the nation for the intensity of its “urban heat island effect.” Because of dense pavement and historically fewer trees in certain metro neighborhoods, summer temperatures in these areas can soar nearly 5°F hotter than surrounding green spaces. When the temperature spikes, your heart has to beat faster and pump harder just to cool you down — and for a heart already dealing with high blood pressure, that is an extra workload.
At 5,280 feet and above, Colorado’s air is thin and dry. That dry air means moisture evaporates from your body rapidly — often before you even realize you’re sweating. Dehydration causes your blood vessels to constrict and your blood to thicken, forcing your heart to work twice as hard. Combined with unmanaged hypertension, this can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Knowing Your Numbers
High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms — that’s why it’s called the silent killer. Protecting yourself means knowing your numbers, especially when the weather gets extreme.
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80 mmHg — time to keep a close eye on it
- Stage 1: 130/80 mmHg
- Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher
🚨 The 180/120 Red Line: If your blood pressure ever hits 180/120 mmHg or higher, and you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, this is a medical emergency. Do not wait for it to drop. Call 911 immediately.
Your Colorado Summer Playbook
Taking care of your heart doesn’t mean sitting inside all summer. It just means playing it smart and protecting your peace.
Check the Heat Risk: Use the CDC HeatRisk Tool before heading out.
Hydrate Like a Pro: Because of the altitude, if you wait until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Always keep a water bottle with you. Note: If you take blood pressure medications like diuretics (water pills), check in with your doctor about your fluid intake, as the heat can alter how these meds affect your body.
Flip the Flavor Profile: Summer barbecues are staple community events, but traditional seasonings and processed meats are loaded with sodium, which can contribute to higher blood pressure. Swap the heavy salt for garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and fresh herbs to keep the flavor high and the pressure low.
Own Your Early Mornings: With Colorado seeing more days pushing past 90°F every year, time your outdoor walks or park visits for the early morning or late evening when the air is crisp and the heart strain is low.
Track It at Home: Don’t wait for your annual checkup. Grab an automated blood pressure monitor. Tracking your numbers in your own living room gives you the real, everyday data you need to advocate for your health.
This summer, let’s look out for ourselves, our elders, and our neighbors. Prioritizing your cardiovascular health isn’t about giving up the things you love — it’s about making sure you are strong, healthy, and thriving for many more Colorado summers.
For more information, visit the CDC’s Clinical Overview of Heat and Cardiovascular Disease.