They are actually supposed to prevent heart damage: drugs such as beta-blockers and ASA are indispensable for heart patients. However, as a new study now suggests, it may even have a negative effect on the health of patients – namely when it is hot.
Cardiac patients are often dependent on certain medications in their everyday lives. These include beta blockers, as well as so-called platelet aggregation inhibitors such as aspirin or ASA. These drugs improve the quality of life of those affected and are intended to prevent heart attacks.
“But these protective measures could backfire in the heat,” warns a new study by the renowned US Yale University, which was carried out in collaboration with German researchers. According to the study, a majority of people who had non-fatal heart attacks in hot weather were taking the same drugs, beta-blockers, and ASA. “Patients taking these two drugs are at higher risk,” says study author Kai Chen.
The scientists examined data from around 2,500 patients who had suffered a non-fatal heart attack in Germany during the hot months between 2001 and 2014.
They found that users of beta-blockers or antiplatelet drugs were more likely to have a heart attack on the hottest days than on control days. So the risk was increased
The risk of a heart attack increased even more in patients who took both drugs. It was with them
On the other hand, those who did not take any of the medication did not have an increased risk of heart attack on hot days.
However, the study is subject to certain limitations. She can provide no evidence that the drugs themselves caused the heart attacks. It’s also possible, the scientists concede, that the patient’s underlying heart disease is the cause, not the medication.
“One clue, however, suggests that the drugs may be to blame,” the study authors write. It is striking that younger patients suffered more heat-related heart attacks than older ones – “although the older patients suffered more frequently from heart diseases”.
Another clue: “Other heart medications have largely shown no association with heat-related heart attacks.” Chan theorizes that some drugs make it harder to regulate body temperature. He wants to investigate this connection in further studies. The results suggested that as climate change progresses, heart attacks may become a greater risk for some people with cardiovascular disease.
However, the study does not serve as a reason for patients to discontinue their heart medication. “Based on this study, it is VERY important that patients do not stop or change their medication to prevent heart attacks,” said Stephen Evans, Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology, London School of Hygiene
As the study authors emphasize, those affected should also pay attention to other points to protect themselves from the heat. The Heart Foundation recommends the following measures:
If you are worried about your medication, you should definitely talk to a doctor instead of changing the dosage yourself.
It is not just certain heart medications that are suspected of becoming dangerous or at least losing their effectiveness in the heat. According to the Federal Union of German Pharmacists’ Associations (ABDA), tablets or capsules still tolerate the temperature fluctuations comparatively well. Other agents, on the other hand, must be expressly cooled, such as insulins or eye drops. Means: They should be stored at two to eight degrees in the refrigerator. And: According to the ABDA, these preparations should already be refrigerated on the way home from the pharmacy.
Most other medicines should be stored at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees. According to the ABDA, on hot summer days it is enough to stow them away in a closet.
However, the heat can be dangerous for users of asthma sprays. The heated medication can sometimes no longer be dosed so well. Or the aerosol escapes before use. Caution should also be exercised with heated nicotine or hormone patches. Sunlight accelerates the release of the active ingredients, which could result in an overdose, experts warn.
Medicines that have been damaged by heat should therefore no longer be used. Because effectiveness and dosing accuracy can change. Even if suppositories have melted and hardened again, you should sort them out of the medicine cabinet. Because it is possible that the active ingredients are then unevenly distributed – and the suppository no longer relieves the symptoms so well.
