It is well known that heat poses a health risk. As researchers at Germany’s Robert Koch Institute have now discovered, the problem is much more complex than previously thought. Some medications can cause dangerous side effects if the temperature is too high.
Means for drainage and antihypertensives are particularly affected. Accordingly, heat-related vasodilation can significantly enhance the antihypertensive effect of many cardiovascular drugs. Possible consequences are fainting or organ circulatory disorders up to a heart attack.
Heart medication, psychotropic medication, …
“Particularly at risk here are people with systolic heart failure (heart failure) and patients with high blood pressure,” the report said. Active substances against heart rhythm disorders, antidiabetics, opiates that are absorbed through the skin, painkillers and so-called anticholinergics – including many psychotropic drugs according to the RKI – can lead to cognitive disorders or problems with blood pressure when heated.
In addition, the shelf life of medications can be affected by heat, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Climate change is exacerbating the situation
According to the RKI, climate change will continue to increase the number of hot days and heat waves. To prevent illness and death as much as possible, it is important to protect the population, for example by means of heat action plans. In addition, according to the report, other phenomena can also lead to health problems in the future.
Climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events such as floods, storms, droughts or fires. For example, according to the RKI, they can lead to injuries, psychological stress disorders and even death by drowning in floods.
diseases are on the rise
According to the RKI, it is not yet possible to clearly predict how climate change might affect individual UV exposure and the associated risk of skin cancer. However, the incidence of UV-related skin cancer has been increasing for decades. Effective UV protection is therefore important.
Climate change is also changing the occurrence, frequency and severity of allergies, the report said. People with a pollen allergy have been suffering from complaints due to climate change almost all year round. As climate change continues, it can be assumed that the pollen season will start earlier and earlier.
health risks are increasing
According to the RKI, bad air also increases the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, respiratory infections and type 2 diabetes. Global warming could indirectly lead to an increase in air pollutant emissions. For example, because drought causes forest fires and therefore high particulate matter pollution.
This, too, can increase health risks. How exactly air temperature and air pollutants interact has not yet been sufficiently researched.
Source: Krone
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