Health
Stay Safe in the Heat: Expert Advice on Medication Risks During High Temperatures
As summer peaks and temperatures soar to record highs in some regions of the U.S., there’s a crucial warning for people on certain medications. Amid the intense heat, one medical expert advises individuals to be proactive, especially if they are on specific medications that could exacerbate potential health risks associated with extreme heat.
Data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that over a thousand people lose their lives annually due to extreme heat in the United States. The agency’s April 2024 report also brought to light the escalating incidences of heat-related illnesses over recent years as a result of climate change, which has led to increasingly prolonged, hotter, and more frequent periods of intense heat.
“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself,” the CDC states. “While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”
Prescription drug use is one of several factors that could heighten the risk of these heat-induced illnesses, the CDC warns. But the question persists: Which drugs should merit concern?
Mount Sinai West’s Emergency Department Medical Director, Michael Redlener, MD, shares in a New York Times interview some of the medications that could potentially increase your risk in the face of a heatwave.
Redlener has highlighted medications for high blood pressure such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers as some of the key groups to keep an eye on.
Notably, ACE inhibitors can heighten the chances of fainting and falling in extreme heat, and they can also suppress the feeling of thirst—making it more challenging to realize when you need to drink more water.
“Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat illness,” the CDC advises.
Beta-blockers can also enhance the risk of fainting and falling while simultaneously making it harder for you to sweat, which makes it difficult for your body to cool down. Furthermore, calcium channel blockers can complicate body temperature regulation by causing electrolyte imbalances, as added by Redlener.
“Some medications interfere with thermoregulation and/or fluid balance, amplifying the risk of harm from hot weather,” the CDC confirms.
Redlener also warns that specific antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, olanzapine, and risperidone have an impact on your ability to sweat. “Your body temperature has a higher likelihood of getting hotter when you’re on those medications,” he explains.
Contrarily, other medications, including specific antidepressants, can increase sweating and repress thirst, potentially leading to dehydration amid extreme heat. According to a paper published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, “Excessive sweating has been associated with antidepressants including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and venlafaxine.”
Furthermore, Mahesh Polavarapu, MD, the medical director of emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester, points out that stimulants, such as those used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also belong in the group of drugs that can elevate body temperature.
Polavarapu also noted that over-the-counter antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine, and doxylamine (Unisom), should be used with caution during high heat periods, as they can inhibit sweating and impact temperature regulation.
These are just a few examples of commonly prescribed medications that could raise your risk in hot weather. Hence, the CDC urges healthcare providers to collaborate with patients to formulate a plan in “advance of hot weather to adjust medication regimens as needed on hot days and for when to seek medical care.”
The CDC further stresses on its website, “Many medicines can make you dehydrated or overheated on hot days. Don’t stop or change your medicines until you talk to your doctor.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
As children, many of us had set bedtimes dictated by our parents, ensuring we got the rest we needed. However, as adults, we have the freedom to choose our own sleep schedules. Despite this autonomy, maintaining a consistent sleep routine might be more beneficial than we realize. A recent study suggests that varying your sleep and wake times could significantly increase your risk of serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, investigated the sleep patterns of 72,269 individuals aged 40 to 70. These participants were part of the UK Biobank study and wore activity trackers for a week to monitor their sleep. The data collected was used to calculate each participant’s Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) score, which measures the consistency of sleep-wake patterns across consecutive days.
Participants were categorized based on their SRI scores: those scoring over 87 were considered regular sleepers, scores between 72 and 87 indicated moderately irregular sleepers, and scores below 72 were classified as irregular sleepers. Interestingly, regular sleepers were more likely to achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults under 65, and seven to eight hours for those over 65.
Over the following eight years, researchers compared these sleep regularity scores with the incidence of cardiovascular events and related deaths. The findings were striking. Irregular sleepers had a 26% increased risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events compared to their regular sleeping counterparts. Even those who were moderately irregular faced an 8% higher risk.
The study authors noted, “Our results suggest that sleep regularity may be more relevant than sufficient sleep duration in modulating MACE [major adverse cardiovascular event] risk.” This implies that even if one gets the recommended amount of sleep, irregular sleep patterns can still pose a significant health risk.
In a press release, the researchers emphasized the importance of sleep consistency in public health guidelines and clinical practices, highlighting its potential impact on cardiovascular health. Lead study author Jean-Philippe Chaput, PhD, from the University of Ottawa, shared with CNN that while exact sleep and wake times aren’t necessary, staying within 30 to 60 minutes of your usual schedule is beneficial.
“Small variations are fine, but consistent sleep patterns improve sleep quality, boost mood and cognitive function, and lower the risk of health issues like heart disease and diabetes,” Chaput explained.
Despite its compelling findings, the study did have limitations. The authors pointed out that it was observational, meaning it could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Sleep was only monitored for one week, which might not provide a complete picture of long-term patterns. Additionally, the data may not fully represent the broader UK population, and the activity trackers used could not distinguish between quiet wakefulness and sleep or account for napping in the SRI scores.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule for cardiovascular health, suggesting that consistency in sleep might be as crucial as the amount of sleep itself.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
As we continue to explore ways to protect our cognitive health as we age, a new study highlights the potential role of common heart medications in reducing dementia risk. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have long been recommended, this research suggests that certain medications could provide additional benefits. However, not all heart drugs are created equal, and one in particular might even increase the risk of dementia. Let’s take a closer look at these findings.
Diuretics
Diuretics, commonly known as water pills, are often used to manage blood pressure by helping the body eliminate excess fluid. The study indicates that these medications could also play a role in reducing dementia risk. Researchers suggest that diuretics might “exert antioxidant and neuroprotective effects” by preserving potassium or uric acid levels. This protective mechanism could contribute to the lower risk of dementia observed in those who use these drugs long-term.
Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS)-Acting Agents
RAS-acting agents are another class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure. According to the study, these medications may specifically help ward off Alzheimer’s disease by safeguarding certain brain mechanisms. The researchers noted, “We can see a clear link between long-term use—five years or more—of these drugs and reduced risk of dementia in older age.” This suggests that maintaining consistent use of these medications could be beneficial for cognitive health.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, are known for their role in managing heart health. The study found that these drugs might also lower the risk of dementia by preventing plaque buildup in blood vessels, which can impede blood flow to the brain. The combination of cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medications was particularly effective, further reducing dementia risk. “Previous studies have focused on individual drugs and specific patient groups but in this study, we take a broader approach,” explained Alexandra Wennberg, PhD, co-lead study author.
Combination Therapy
The study highlights the benefits of using a combination of the aforementioned drugs. Individuals taking two to three different treatments experienced a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a decrease of 27 to 30 percent. This suggests that a multi-faceted approach to managing heart health could also support cognitive well-being.
Antiplatelet Drugs
While many heart medications show promise in reducing dementia risk, antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, may have the opposite effect. These medications are used to prevent strokes by stopping platelets from clumping together. However, the study found that they might increase the risk of microbleeds in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline. People taking these drugs had a 13 to 25 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
This study sheds light on the complex relationship between heart medications and dementia risk. While certain drugs show promise in reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline, others may pose a risk. It’s important for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for both heart and brain health.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
The intricate world of gut health is gaining increasing attention as researchers uncover its profound influence on our overall well-being. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of over 100 trillion microbes, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses, plays a crucial role in how our body functions. This collection of microorganisms is so influential that experts often refer to it as the “second brain,” according to registered dietitian Kristian Kirkpatrick, RD.
Endocrinologist and researcher Max Nieuwdorp, PhD, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for balanced hormone levels. In his book, *The Power of Hormones*, Nieuwdorp details how gut microbes are instrumental in the release and production of hormones, impacting critical processes like metabolism and mood. He shares three key things to avoid for optimal gut health.
One major dietary change Nieuwdorp recommends is reducing red meat consumption. During an interview with Business Insider, he explained that red meat can alter the gut microbiome’s composition by producing “dangerous” metabolites during digestion.
“I try to not eat meat every day,” Nieuwdorp said.
While protein is essential, a diet heavily reliant on red meat can increase the risk of various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colorectal cancer. Red meat is also known for its high cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium content.
Ultra-processed foods are another group Nieuwdorp steers clear of. These include sweetened breakfast cereals, processed meats, sodas, and some frozen meals. Instead, he opts for fresh foods without preservatives or additives.
Gastroenterologist Preeya Goyal, MD, highlights the dangers of ultra-processed foods, noting, “Ultra-processed foods contain large quantities of saturated fat and trans-fat, added sugar, salt, and food additives that seriously affect the gut and physical health.”
Finally, Nieuwdorp is cautious about antibiotics, using them only when absolutely necessary. He warns, “They drive dysbiosis in the gut.”
Dysbiosis, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic, is an imbalance in the diversity of gut microorganisms, making individuals more susceptible to infections and disrupting essential functions normally provided by a healthy microbiome. This imbalance can also adversely affect hormone function.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, Nieuwdorp advocates for a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn supports overall health and well-being.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Marilyn Lea
July 5, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Please also note that those individuals wearing an insulin pump need to take care not to stay out in the heat for extended periods of time because the insulin heats up and becomes non-effective. Limit the time the insulin pump stays out in the heat.