Patient Resources

By May, many families are already thinking ahead to summer. School is winding down, practices are getting hotter, tournaments are starting, and young athletes are spending more time outside. In Mississippi, that also means one very important thing: the heat is coming.

For most children and teens, summer sports are a great way to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy time with teammates. But heat, humidity, and dehydration can make the body work harder — and sometimes the heart feels that stress too.

Why Heat Affects Young Athletes

Heat makes the heart work harder. When the body temperature rises, the heart pumps more blood to the skin to help cool the body down. For most healthy children, this is manageable — but when hydration is poor or the heat is extreme, the cardiovascular system can be pushed to its limits.

Watch for early signs like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or a racing heartbeat. These are signals that the body is struggling to keep up — and they should never be pushed through.

Hydration Starts Before Practice

Don't wait until your child is thirsty. Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Athletes should start hydrating well before practice begins — typically drinking 16–20 oz of water 1–2 hours before activity, and continuing to drink every 15–20 minutes during exercise.

Bring a water bottle to every practice and keep going afterward. Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes during long, intense sessions, but water is usually sufficient for practices under an hour.

Mississippi Heat Is Different

High humidity makes it harder to cool down. When sweat cannot evaporate efficiently, the body retains heat — increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke faster than in dry climates. Be extra cautious during peak heat and intense activity.

When Symptoms Need Attention

Some signs mean it's time to get help right away. Take your child off the field if they experience any of the following:

• Fainting or near-fainting during or after exercise
• Chest pain or tightness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat that doesn't settle down with rest
• Confusion, slurred speech, or inability to walk straight
• Skin that is hot and dry (a warning sign of heat stroke)
• Shortness of breath that seems out of proportion to the activity

Children With Heart Conditions

Most kids can stay active, but some may need special guidance. Children with known heart conditions — including congenital heart disease, POTS, arrhythmias, or a history of cardiac surgery — should check with their cardiologist before the summer season begins.

Heat and dehydration can exacerbate symptoms in children with POTS, and certain conditions require modified activity plans during extreme heat. A pre-season sports clearance visit is a good opportunity to review any updated guidance.

Practical Tips for Parents and Coaches

• Start hydrating earlier in the day
• Bring a water bottle to every practice
• Take scheduled breaks every 15–20 minutes
• Avoid heavy outdoor activity during peak heat when possible (before 10 AM or after 6 PM)
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Never ignore dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or unusual shortness of breath
• Encourage athletes to speak up early

With good hydration, smart heat precautions, and attention to warning signs, most young athletes can enjoy summer sports safely and confidently.

At Mississippi Children's Heart Clinic, we evaluate children and teens with sports-related symptoms including chest pain, fainting, palpitations, dizziness, abnormal ECGs, heart murmurs, and congenital heart disease concerns. Our goal is to help families understand what symptoms mean, know when to seek care, and feel confident about safe participation.