Health expert says the combination of extreme dieting, sudden exercise, dehydration, alcohol and hot weather can place unnecessary strain on the heart

PEOPLE trying to achieve a last-minute “summer body” are being warned against combining crash diets with intense exercise, alcohol and long periods in hot weather.

Around 400,000 people in Wales are estimated to be living with cardiovascular disease, while heart and circulatory conditions were linked to 9,260 deaths in the country during 2024.

Of those deaths, 2,660 involved people aged under 75.

Medical experts say sudden and extreme lifestyle changes before a holiday can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly among people with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or an undiagnosed heart condition.

Olivia Wickens, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said the concern was not healthy weight loss or regular exercise, but the cumulative effect of several abrupt changes.

She said: “People often think they are doing something positive for their health before a holiday, but it is the cumulative effect of several sudden lifestyle changes that concerns us.

“We see people drastically cutting calories, dramatically increasing the intensity of their workouts, drinking more alcohol, sleeping less because of social events and spending long days in hot weather.

“Individually, and as occasional changes, these behaviours may seem harmless. Together, however, they can create what I would describe as a perfect storm for the heart.”

She said people living with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or an existing cardiovascular condition could face a greater risk, particularly because some conditions develop without obvious symptoms.

Ms Wickens added: “Although many people are looking for a quick fix before going on holiday or attending an important social event, weight loss should be gradual and safe.

“Heart health is built through small, consistent habits over many months and years. Summer should be about enjoying yourself safely, not placing unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system through extreme lifestyle changes.”

Risks may go unnoticed

High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, but many people are unaware they have it.

Around 30% of adults across the UK are estimated to have high blood pressure, equivalent to approximately 16 million people. As many as five million may be living with the condition without knowing it.

Raised cholesterol can also develop without noticeable symptoms.

Figures attributed to the British Heart Foundation indicate that more than eight million people across the UK are living with cardiovascular disease.

During 2024, cardiovascular disease was linked to 169,205 deaths across the UK, including 47,257 deaths among people aged under 75.

The figures included:

• 137,572 deaths in England
• 17,444 deaths in Scotland
• 9,260 deaths in Wales
• 4,416 deaths in Northern Ireland

Seven common summer heart-health myths

“Hot weather is only dangerous if you get sunburnt”

High temperatures can make the heart work harder as the body sends more blood towards the skin to regulate its temperature.

Sweating also reduces the amount of fluid in the body, while widened blood vessels can cause blood pressure to fall. This may lead to dizziness or fainting, particularly among people taking blood-pressure medication.

“A few drinks in the sunshine will not affect my heart”

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may also affect blood pressure, heart rhythm and sleep quality.

The combination of alcohol, high temperatures and inadequate water intake can place additional strain on the body.

“Crash dieting before a holiday is good for my heart”

Gradual weight loss through a balanced diet may support heart health, but extreme calorie restriction and so-called detox diets can have the opposite effect.

Restrictive diets may lead to deficiencies in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which help maintain a stable heart rhythm.

People with an existing heart condition should seek medical advice before beginning an extreme or very low-calorie diet.

“It does not matter when or how I eat on holiday”

Summer holidays can disrupt normal routines, with people skipping meals, eating later, consuming more salt and drinking more alcohol.

A single indulgent meal is unlikely to cause harm, but several weeks of disrupted eating, drinking and sleeping habits can affect overall cardiovascular health.

“Flying has no impact on heart health”

Long journeys can involve prolonged periods of sitting, dehydration, disrupted sleep and changes to normal medication routines.

Passengers are advised to drink water, limit excessive alcohol, move around regularly on longer journeys and continue taking prescribed medication.

People with an existing heart condition should seek medical advice before travelling when appropriate.

“I would know if I had heart disease”

High blood pressure and raised cholesterol can develop without noticeable symptoms.

People concerned about their cardiovascular health should speak to their GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional about appropriate blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

“Getting fit quickly is always good for my heart”

Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease.

However, suddenly moving from an inactive lifestyle to high-intensity training, particularly during hot weather, can put the body under unnecessary stress.

Exercise levels should be increased gradually, with adequate hydration, rest and recovery.

Ms Wickens said: “Summer holidays should be about making memories, not creating avoidable health risks.

“It is important to stay well hydrated, particularly when exercising or travelling, and to build up activity levels gradually rather than pushing too hard too quickly.

“People should avoid restrictive crash diets in favour of balanced, nutritious meals and remember that alcohol contributes to dehydration, especially in hot weather.

“Most importantly, never ignore warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, fainting or heart palpitations. Persistent or severe symptoms should always be assessed urgently.”

Jury rejects defendant’s claim he only intended to cause serious injury after ambush attack on former partner

A JURY has found James McKenna guilty of attempting to murder his former partner in a pre-planned knife attack in Carmarthen Park.

The 57-year-old, of Bro Hedydd, Carmarthen, had admitted wounding Joanne Sidaway with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article in a public place. However, he denied attempted murder, claiming he intended only to cause serious injury rather than kill her.

After a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court, the jury rejected his defence and returned a guilty verdict for attempted murder on Monday (July 27).

The court heard that on January 29 this year, McKenna spent hours searching for Ms Sidaway, knowing her daily routine. Armed with a large kitchen knife hidden inside a rucksack, he visited several locations before returning to Carmarthen Park.

Prosecutors said he concealed himself in bushes near an entrance to the park, waited until Ms Sidaway approached walking her dog, then launched a sudden attack, stabbing her repeatedly in the chest, arm and hands. The victim survived after escaping and raising the alarm.

Following the attack, McKenna fled the scene, discarding the knife and rucksack before evading police for several days. He was arrested in Aberystwyth on February 2 after a large-scale manhunt involving specialist search teams.

During the trial, the prosecution argued the attack was carefully planned and that the repeated stabbing of the victim’s upper body demonstrated an intention to kill. The defence accepted the attack had been planned but maintained McKenna intended only to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The jury found him guilty of attempted murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Sian Davies of Dyfed-Powys Police described the attack as “a shocking level of pre-planned violence which could have easily led to the victim’s death” and thanked the victim, witnesses and investigating officers for their roles in securing the conviction.

McKenna is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, September 2.

Pasture and arable values fall slightly amid uncertainty over taxation, agricultural policy and rural spending

FARMLAND values in Wales have softened for the second consecutive quarter, although demand remains strong for high-quality farms, development land and larger commercial holdings.

The latest Farmland Market Update from property consultancy Carter Jonas shows that the average value of Welsh pasture land fell by 0.4% during the second quarter of 2026 to £7,750 an acre.

Average arable land values declined by 0.3% to £9,467 an acre.

Compared with the same period last year, arable land values are now 2.4% lower, while pasture land prices have fallen by 1.9%.

The figures suggest the Welsh farmland market is cooling gently following several years of sustained price growth between 2021 and 2024.

However, Carter Jonas said the published figures did not reveal the full extent of activity, as a significant proportion of farmland transactions were taking place privately and without being openly advertised.

The consultancy said fewer farms and parcels of land had been publicly brought to market during the first half of the year, while buyers had become more selective about location, land quality and commercial potential.

Hugh O’Donnell, rural partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The volume of farmland brought to market has been lower in the first half of the year, but acreage alone only tells part of the story.

“We continue to see a significant number of transactions taking place, underlining the ongoing appeal of well-located, high-quality farmland as a long-term investment.

“Buyer demand remains resilient, but understanding local market conditions and having access to off-market opportunities is increasingly important in a more selective market.”

The report comes as Welsh farmers continue to face uncertainty over agricultural support, succession planning, inheritance tax changes and the future direction of rural policy.

Carter Jonas said the appointment of a new Prime Minister had added another element of uncertainty for buyers and sellers considering major transactions.

Sophie Davidson, research associate at Carter Jonas, said: “While it is unlikely to trigger significant short-term changes to agricultural policy, the potential for shifts in spending priorities, taxation and rural policy direction may encourage a ‘wait and see’ approach among some vendors and purchasers.”

Despite the modest fall in average values, demand remains strong for land offering clear agricultural, investment or strategic benefits.

Larger commercial farms remain scarce and continue to attract significant interest, while land close to towns and villages, or with potential for housing, renewable energy or other development, is also commanding attention.

Ms Davidson added: “Strategically located land with development potential is seeing robust demand.

“What we’re seeing is a selective market where targeted demand continues to support values despite a thinner buyer pool.”