Can extreme heat starve the aging heart of blood?

NCT ID NCT06842784

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether extreme heat reduces blood flow to the heart more in older adults than in young adults. Healthy volunteers aged 18–35 or 65+ will sit in a 44°C room for three hours while researchers measure heart blood flow using ultrasound. The goal is to understand why older people are more likely to have heart attacks during heat waves.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ambient heat stress (3 hours at 44°C, 20% humidity)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could explain why older adults face higher heart risks during heat waves and point toward protective strategies.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 24 participants, so findings may not apply broadly. Heat exposure carries risks of dehydration and heat-related illness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Heat Stress Disorders Hyperthermia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGING HEAT STRAIN HEAT STRESS HYPERTHERMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Dallas, Texas, 75231, United States

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