Heat can worsen certain health conditions
People with chronic diseases may face flare-ups or worsening symptoms during very hot weather, according to experts. Those at risk include individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neurological conditions.
Robert Meade, a research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Health, was among experts quoted about the dangers of heat in a June 22 Washington Post article.
He noted that, during bouts of heat, people with underlying health conditions—whose hearts, kidneys, or nerves may not be functioning optimally—may be more prone to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Further, heat can worsen their disease symptoms or cause complications.
Conditions that can be aggravated by heat include arthritis, kidney stones and kidney disease, asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lupus, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, migraine, and depression and anxiety, according to the article.
Meade recommended that people with chronic conditions double down on typical stay-cool measures, such as staying hydrated and using air conditioning, fans, or water spray bottles. He also suggested that people check with their doctor to work out a game plan for dealing with hot weather and to review medications, some of which may work differently in heat.
Read the Washington Post article:
Hot weather can make these 9 health conditions worse
