Kinda got my attention when I heard over the weekend that 700 people died in the last Chicago heatwave. Maybe that’s not many more than would die over five normal days in a city of that size, but they were officially judged to be heat-related. "Three times more than Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Harvey combined (link)."

Still, since half of my family is in Florida these days and now we have this Heat Dome or whatever upon us. And because it seems EVERYONE I run into from my Twilo, Warsaw, Webster Hall days is on like two or three anti-psychotics, anti-depressants (DH sings to me with total sincerity about the meds “for my bipolar disease”), and because everyone in my extended family has been prescribed an endless list of BP meds, this seemed germane.

Several pills and potions can affect how well the body is able to handle heat — an issue that is “particularly important for older people” because they tend to be on more of these medications.

It’s crucial to pay attention to this often-overlooked side effect during heat waves— but it’s not just those stifling stretches that can be dangerous. Research shows that older patients with chronic medical conditions who take heat-sensitive medications can have medication-related problems throughout the entire summer.

We all need to be aware of what medications put older people at risk during these Heat Dome events-- and educate one another.

How do medications affect your heat tolerance?

First, it’s important to understand how your body deals with heat and works to maintain that ideal internal temperature of 98.6 degrees.

To cool off, your body has several tricks. One is perspiration, or sweat. When sweat evaporates from your skin, it cools the body.

Another is when the blood vessels underneath your skin vasodilate (widen) and bring warm blood closer to your skin, allowing the skin to release heat.

Several different medications, though, can interfere with this complex thermoregulation system by limiting the body’s ability to sweat or by reducing blood flow to the skin. Medications can also cause dehydration, and some may make the skin more sensitive to the sun, causing a rash or sunburn.

Some individuals are more susceptible to these heat-related issues than others. Risk factors include being over 65, having chronic medical conditions and being overweight. Spending time outside during the warmest part of the day — especially if you are doing yard work, physical activity or exercise — also increases your risk.

Chief risk factors include being over 65, having chronic medical conditions and being overweight.

Dave Kent, a retired librarian, had a heart attack more than a decade ago; exercise, along with cardiac medications, is part of his treatment plan. But when the forecast calls for heat, he plans his outdoor activities for the cooler times of the day to avoid medication side effects. “I think having an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy diet are the keys to dealing with whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” Kent says.

8 types of medications that don’t mix with heat

Below are some examples of commonly used medications that can make it harder for your body to handle the heat.

1. Heart medications (BP meds & blood thinners)

  • Beta blockers: metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), propranolol (Inderal)
  • ACE Inhibitors: lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan)
  • Antiplatelets: clopidogrel (Plavix)