High-Risk Groups for Heatstroke: 7 Types of People or Medications That Increase the Risk

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As summer temperatures continue to break records, everyone is on guard against heatstroke. However, seven types of people are at a much higher risk of heatstroke compared to the general population. Additionally, some medications can impair the body's ability to dissipate heat. If you regularly take medication, it is crucial to check if any of the following four types are part of your daily regimen.

7 High-Risk Groups for Heat-Related Illness

1. Elderly (65 years and older): Aging can impair the hypothalamus, the brain's temperature regulation center, making it difficult to sweat.
2. Chronic Illness Patients: Individuals with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease have reduced heat dissipation capabilities.
3. Medication Users: Certain medications, like antihistamines, can inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, affecting sweating.
4. Infants and Young Children: Their body temperature can rise 2 to 4 times faster than that of adults.
5. Athletes: Physical activity generates body heat. The more strenuous the exercise, the more heat is produced, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
6. Overweight Individuals: Excess subcutaneous fat makes it harder to dissipate heat.
7. Sleep-Deprived Individuals: Chronic sleep deprivation or insufficient sleep can impair cardiovascular and pulmonary function, affecting sweating.

4 Types of Medications That Affect Heat Dissipation and Increase Heatstroke Risk

1. Sympathomimetic Agents: Substances like caffeine and nasal decongestants containing ephedrine cause blood vessel constriction, reducing heat dissipation and increasing metabolic heat production, leading to higher body temperatures.
2. Anticholinergic Drugs: Medications such as antihistamines and Parkinson's disease drugs can inhibit sweat gland secretion, reducing heat dissipation.
3. Antihypertensive Drugs: Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can decrease the body's ability to regulate temperature. Diuretics may affect the body's water and salt balance.
4. Psychiatric Medications: Antidepressants can inhibit sweating, and antipsychotics can impair the body's temperature regulation center, making it harder to sweat and dissipate heat.