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Medications used for some persistent health issues can pose heat-related risks

Drugs for specific health problems can impair heat regulation by affecting sweating or blood flow to the skin, potentially leading to heat-related ailments or heightened heart attack risk during warm conditions. Check if your medications are included on the heat-sensitive list.

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3 min read
Prescription medications for specific chronic illnesses pose risks associated with heat-related...
Prescription medications for specific chronic illnesses pose risks associated with heat-related complications.

In a recent review, a team of scientists in Singapore has highlighted a concerning issue: certain chronic diseases and their related medications can compromise the body's ability to regulate heat, making it difficult to handle hot weather safely.

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can impact heat regulation. For instance, insulin, a common diabetes medication, impairs the body's ability to regulate heat properly, while SLE patients often experience heat intolerance due to the condition itself.

Medications used to treat these conditions can further exacerbate the problem. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics, and corticosteroids are among the drugs that interfere with the body’s ability to cool down or increase sensitivity to heat and sunlight, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Diuretics, for example, promote fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration, and medications like insulin, anticholinergics, cholinesterase inhibitors, dopamine replacement agents, and dopamine agonists used in treating neurocognitive diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may reduce thermoregulation, impair sweat response, and increase body temperature.

Certain cancer medications can cause uncomfortable hot flashes, and exercising twice a week may help improve thermoregulatory responses in cancer patients. However, some medications can make it harder for the body to handle hot weather. For instance, beta-blockers, used to treat heart conditions, can cause problems when it's hot outside by reducing skin blood flow during heat stress and making it hard for the body to cool off, potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Associate Professor Melvin Leow, the review's co-author and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, warns that physicians are often unaware of the potential harms certain drugs may cause by compromising the body’s thermoregulatory control mechanisms.

To mitigate these risks, people with chronic conditions are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and monitor for heat intolerance symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and skin changes. Additionally, it's crucial to discuss any medication use with a doctor before engaging in activities that may increase body temperature, such as exercise or spending time in hot weather.

In a related development, Michigan Medicine has posted tips to keep cool during hot weather, emphasising the importance of staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and seeking shade when possible.

Sources: [1] Leow, M., et al. (2021). Medications and heat stress: a review of drugs that may affect thermoregulation. Journal of Endocrinology. [2] American College of Rheumatology. (2019). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Lupus [3] National Institute on Aging. (2020). Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Extreme Heat: Stay Cool and Safe. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

  1. Eye-health and skin-conditions can also be affected by chronic diseases and their related medications, as Melvin Leow's review suggests.
  2. Therapies and treatments for mental-health issues, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat.
  3. In addition to heat intolerance, chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders like SLE can have significant effects on digestive-health and cardiovascular-health.
  4. Cancers, respiratory-conditions, and neurological-disorders can also manifest in various skin-conditions, emphasizing the importance of skin-care in managing these conditions.
  5. The risk of heat-related illnesses can be increased by the use of diuretics and beta blockers, making workplace-wellness and fitness-and-exercise programs crucial in managing such conditions.
  6. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellness, especially for individuals with chronic diseases, as it can impact heat regulation and temperature control.
  7. Medications used to treat chronic illnesses, like insulin and corticosteroids, can impair sweat response and reduce thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related disorders.
  8. Hearing health can be overlooked in the discussion of chronic diseases and their medications, but it's essential to monitor for any changes in hearing, as heat stress can potentially cause temporary hearing loss.
  9. Medicare is playing a critical role in addressing the concerns about chronic diseases and their medications, as they are working to ensure patients are informed about the potential risks associated with certain drugs.
  10. In the meantime, it is important for individuals with chronic conditions to seek shade, stay hydrated, and monitor their body temperature to reduce the risks associated with heat stress and maintain their well-being.

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