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.
Yesterday the Fire Department declared a red flag warning for some inland parts of Santa Barbara County for the rest of the week.
While the fire department focuses on environmental concerns, the health system emphasizes 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.
“Santa Maria is a uniquely positioned city where we are at risk for these late summer heat waves,” says Dr. Kirsten Shaw, a noninvasive cardiologist at Dignity Health’s Coastal Valley Medical Center.
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.
“A lot of people underestimate the impact that high heat can have on your body,” says Dr. Shaw. “And oftentimes you can feel pretty well, but still can be having some early signs of negative impacts. Don’t underestimate the heat.”
Physicians say adults age 65 and older face the highest risk during periods of elevated temperatures, along with anyone living with heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure or a history of stroke.
“All of our stations are ALS equipped, so we have a paramedic on every piece of equipment that we have,” says Mike Gray, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. “With that comes all the equipment that a paramedic would carry.”
Additionally, people taking medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers or A.C.E. inhibitors can be vulnerable.
Outdoor workers, athletes and first responders who spend extended time in the heat are also at elevated risk.
“I would just urge people to stay aware of conditions and sign up for alerts at ReadySBC.org,” says Gray.
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.
“Don’t wait to start to feel terrible from the heat before you take a break,” says Dr. Shaw. “Take more frequent breaks early and often to really protect yourself and your health.”
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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