Why certain medications can increase your risk in the heat

For the millions of Americans who take medications for common issues like heart disease or high blood pressure, a heatwave like the one causing sweltering conditions across the Central and Southeastern U.S. this week poses extra risk.

That's because some medications can change how people's bodies naturally manage heat, says David Eisenman, a physician and researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, potentially making people more susceptible to overheating.

Eisenman stresses that patients should still take their medications. But he urges them to take the risks from heat seriously and develop a plan to keep cool — by taking steps like cooling their homes with air conditioning or fans, drinking water and staying out of the hot sun.

Why do some medications affect heat tolerance