Residents in the UK who rely on blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are being urged to consult their doctors about potentially adjusting their doses due to the ongoing heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for regions including the South West, South East, London, and parts of the Midlands, effective until 5 PM on Thursday, May 28. In contrast, the North East and North West are under a yellow warning as temperatures continue to rise. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a caution regarding medications that might affect the body’s ability to cope with heat.
The MHRA warns that medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may hinder the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature, posing a challenge during sudden heatwaves.
These medications can compromise the body’s natural cooling processes, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Health experts advise against discontinuing these medications abruptly; instead, they recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for guidance.
Alison Cave, the MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, noted, “Certain medications can increase your susceptibility to sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration, particularly if you’re on diuretics or managing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.”
She emphasized the importance of reading medication leaflets and consulting healthcare professionals with any concerns.
Health professionals may recommend lowering the dosage of the medication while temperatures remain hot. They may also advise to take extra care in making sure you stay cool and hydrated.
It comes after a record-breaking couple of days across the UK, with many areas recording their highest May daily maximum temperatures ever. The highest was recorded at Kew Gardens, in London, where the mercury hit 35.1C – topping its previous May record of 32.8C.
Across southern and central England, a number of areas saw temperatures top 30C. Counties including Oxfordshire, Surrey, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire all saw temperatures reach new record well into the low and mid-30s.
The hot weather is set to continue throughout the end of this week. The Met Office’s five-day forecast for the UK states: “Largely dry with sunny spells and very warm once again on Friday.”
