OKLAHOMA CITY –
Extreme summer heat across Oklahoma is prompting warnings from doctors about increased strain on the heart, particularly for people with underlying health conditions.
Some parts of the state are experiencing heat indices near or above triple digits, according to health officials, who say the body is forced to work harder to regulate temperature in extreme conditions.
Dr. Usman Baber, chief of cardiology at OU Health, said the stress from high heat can significantly impact cardiovascular function.
“Just the stress that it creates, that can alter your blood pressure,” Baber said. “It can alter the rate at which your heart beats, the amount of blood being delivered to all of your critical organs.”
Doctors say individuals with existing heart conditions are at higher risk during periods of extreme heat, along with those taking medications such as diuretics, which can affect the body’s fluid balance. When combined with high temperatures, those factors can overwhelm the body’s ability to properly regulate itself.
Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak heat, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
