Warning for Houston residents with chronic illnesses in case of stifling heat

Heat not only increases your risk of heat exhaustion and stroke, it also increases stress on your heart.

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The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the link between extreme heat and heart complications accounts for about a quarter of heat-related deaths. While many people in the Houston area are without power, local emergency services are seeing worsening conditions for patients with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Carrie Bakunas of UT Health Houston said patients can’t get oxygen or dialysis and end up going to the emergency room.

Illnesses that are worsened by heat include:

• Heart disease

• Arrhythmia

• Previous heart attack

• Epilepsy

• Migraines

• Skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis)

• Multiple sclerosis

“Fatigue is one of the main symptoms for people with MS. Heat is a major trigger for fatigue. It can also lead to changes in mobility,” said Dr. Stephanie Silveria of UT Health Houston and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Other problems made worse by heat include:

• Mental health problems (such as schizophrenia)

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Parkinson disease

• Diabetes

• Sickle cell trait

• Alcohol use disorder

Medications affected by heat:

Diuretics used to treat heart failure and medications used to treat high blood pressure can increase your risk of heat-related illness.

Any medications (such as injections, insulin, and antibiotics) that require refrigeration may lose their effectiveness if not kept cold.