Record high temperatures sweeping across the U.S. have prompted the American Heart Association to issue warnings about the heightened risk of heat-related cardiovascular deaths. With a forecasted heatwave threatening to break records in the Northeast and Midwest, the Association emphasizes the need for extra precautions, especially for those with heart conditions or on certain medications.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,200 Americans die annually due to extreme heat, a number that's increasing alongside deaths from heat-related cardiovascular disease. A study in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation suggests these deaths could more than double in the next two decades. Heat and dehydration force the heart to work harder, exacerbating stress on those with pre-existing conditions or on medications like beta blockers and diuretics.
The Association advises avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wearing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke. For more information on protecting heart health during extreme heat, visit heart.org.
