LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — An Acadiana heat wave can affect how the body responds to heat, particularly for people taking medications that alter blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, or fluid levels.
With temperatures at 96 degrees and relative humidity around 55%, the heat index reaches 112 degrees, placing conditions in the danger zone. The heat index is also at the maximum temperature the body is designed to handle.
At a heat index of 112 degrees, blood flow to the skin increases to radiate heat. That lowers overall blood pressure, while the heart rate rises to help maintain it. The body also reaches its maximum sweating response to cool the skin…