Key points
- Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for those with chronic medical conditions.
- If you or someone you know has a chronic medical condition, follow the information below to help keep you, or the person in your care, safe.
What increases risk
![Older woman sitting inside, drinking from a glass of water while her caretaker sits beside her.](/extreme-heat/media/images/senior-woman-drinking-water.jpg)
Why are people with chronic medical conditions more vulnerable to extreme heat?
- They may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
- They may be taking medications that can make the effect of extreme heat worse.
- Conditions like heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity are risk factors for heat-related illness. Individuals who are overweight or obese tend to retain more body heat.
Stay safe during extreme heat
Stay cool and stay hydrated.
- Follow tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
- Keep in mind that heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your doctor about how to safely replace salt and minerals lost through sweating.
- Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
- Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
Caretaker Checklist
Keep a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day, and ask yourself these questions:
Question #1
- Are they drinking enough water?
Question #2
- Do they have access to air conditioning?
Question #3
- Do they know how to keep cool?
Question #4
- Do they show any signs of heat stress?
Learn how to spot heat-related illness.
- Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.
Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health