Santa Maria Doctors Advise Heart Healthy Heat Precautions
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Dignity Health physicians in Santa Maria issued a public health warning, advising California residents about the dangers extreme heat poses to heart health.
Just yesterday the Fire Department declared a red flag warning for parts of Santa Barbara County.
The health system emphasized that elevated temperatures create significant physical stress, particularly for older adults and individuals living with cardiovascular disease.
Doctors say when ambient temperatures rise, the human heart must pump harder and faster to help cool the body.
High temperatures can increase heart rate, lower blood volume through dehydration and disrupt electrolyte balance, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses, heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular complications.
Adults age 65 and older face the highest risk during periods of elevated temperatures.
Other vulnerable groups include individuals with heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure or a history of stroke, as well as people taking medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
Outdoor workers, athletes and first responders who spend extended time in the heat are also at elevated risk.
Dr. Kirsten Shaw, a cardiologist at Dignity Health’s Coastal Valley Health Center in Santa Maria, noted that many residents overlook the cardiovascular risks of high temperatures.
Health care professionals recommend several safety steps to minimize risk during extreme heat.
Residents should stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day before feeling thirsty, seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
People are also advised to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, consult health care providers about medication effects and check on older family members and neighbors.
Recognizing warning signs is critical for preventing severe health emergencies.
Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting or difficulty breathing may indicate a serious heat-related medical event requiring immediate attention.
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