Rising Temperatures and Chronic Health: How Extreme Heat Impacts Our Well‑Being

‍Introduction

Extreme heat is more than just an outdoor discomfort – it’s a serious health hazard. In fact, heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths worldwide. As climate change drives rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, an increasing number of people are exposed to extreme heat each year. While anyone can suffer in very hot weather, those with chronic health conditions face added risks. Hot days have been linked to spikes in emergency room visits for issues like heart problems, breathing difficulties, kidney issues, and even mental health crises. In this article, we’ll explore how extreme heat affects some of the most common chronic conditions – from cardiovascular disease and diabetes to asthma, chronic lung and kidney diseases, and mental health disorders – and what you can do to stay safe. We’ll also introduce the newly released New York State (NYS) Health Heat Index, an interactive tool to help you understand your personal heat risk and take action.

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What Is the NYS Health Heat Index?

New York State recently launched an interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard, often referred to as the NYS “Health Heat Index,” aimed at helping the public and local officials anticipate heat-related health risks. Announced in May 2025 by the NYS Department of Health, this tool allows users to see the forecasted level of heat-related health risk in their area and raises awareness about the dangers of heat exposure. The dashboard draws on real-time data from sources like the National Weather Service and the NYS Mesonet weather network, as well as health reports of heat-related emergency department visits and ambulance calls. It combines multiple factors – temperature, humidity, the duration of heat, and even population vulnerability – to produce a color-coded heat risk index for each county. On the map, green indicates little to no risk, but as the colors progress through yellow, orange, red, and up to purple, the risk of heat-related illness increases. This system, called “HeatRisk,” can forecast conditions up to seven days in advance.

What makes the NYS Health Heat Index especially useful is its focus on health outcomes. It doesn’t just tell you the temperature – it tells you what that heat means for people’s well-being. For example, the dashboard accounts for the fact that age and underlying health conditions can change how vulnerable someone is to heat. A day of 90°F (32°C) with high humidity might be a moderate risk for a healthy young adult, but a high risk for an older person with heart or lung disease. By checking this tool during warm months, you can understand when your area is expecting dangerous heat levels and plan accordingly – whether that means rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, finding air-conditioned places to stay cool, or alerting local authorities to open cooling centers.

In short, the NYS Health Heat Index dashboard is a personal risk compass for extreme heat. It empowers patients, caregivers, and communities with advanced warning of heat-health risks so they can take protective action. Next, let’s review why heat affects our bodies so profoundly, and then dive into what science says about heat and specific chronic conditions. New York City has it’s own real-time heat-related illness data feature. This data feature tracks outcomes citywide by using a system called syndromic surveillance which identifies how many people who visit the emergency room (ED) are being affected by certain health conditions.

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How Heat Affects the Body

To appreciate why extreme heat is dangerous – especially if you have a chronic illness – it helps to understand how the body normally handles heat. Our bodies keep a core temperature around 98.6°F (37°C). When outside temperatures rise, your body works to dump excess heat. The heart pumps faster and blood vessels widen to send more blood (and heat) to the skin. You start sweating, and as sweat evaporates it cools the skin. These natural cooling mechanisms can keep you safe up to a point. But very high temperatures, especially with high humidity, can overwhelm the system. When sweat doesn’t evaporate (for example, on muggy days), the body can’t cool off effectively. Core temperature can creep up, leading to heat exhaustion and, if unaddressed, heat stroke – a life-threatening emergency where body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C).

Even before reaching those extremes, heat places extra strain on almost every organ system. Dehydration is a major factor – you lose fluids and electrolytes through heavy sweating. This can cause blood volume to drop, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood. It can also concentrate the blood, raising the risk of clots that could trigger a heart attack or stroke. Hot conditions also make breathing more difficult by elevating ground-level ozone and other air pollutants, irritating the lungs. Meanwhile, many medications common in chronic illness (like diuretics for blood pressure or some psychotropic drugs) impair the body’s heat response – for instance, by preventing full sweating, altering thirst, or changing how your body handles fluid and electrolytes. The result is that people with health issues can be less able to cope with heat and more likely to suffer complications when the thermometer soars.

Crucially, heat doesn’t just cause heat stroke; it can worsen pre-existing medical conditions even if you never faint or feel classic heat illness symptoms. Research has linked hot days to increases in hospital visits for heart failure, asthma attacks, kidney problems, and even mental health emergencies. Let’s break down what scientists and doctors have found for each condition.

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Heat and Chronic Conditions: What the Science Says

Extreme heat affects different chronic diseases in different ways. Below, we explore five common health conditions – cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, kidney disease, and mental health disorders – and summarize how heat can influence each one.

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Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Conditions)

Heart disease – including conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke – is a major concern during heat waves. Hot weather creates a perfect storm of stresses on the cardiovascular system. As mentioned, high temperatures cause dehydration and make the heart beat faster to try to cool the body. This can exacerbate heart failure (where the heart struggles to pump effectively) and precipitate events like angina (chest pain) or even heart attacks and strokes. Heat-related dehydration also thickens the blood and can lead to electrolyte imbalances that trigger arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). In short, heat puts extra workload on the heart while also making the blood and chemical environment less stable for people with cardiac conditions.

Epidemiological studies confirm that cardiovascular events and deaths rise during heat waves. For example, a recent meta-analysis found that heatwaves (prolonged periods of extreme heat) were associated with about a 12% increase in cardiovascular-related mortality on average. The risk was even higher for older adults (age 65+), who often have underlying heart issues. Another study noted that even short-term exposure to high air temperatures was linked to higher odds of heart attack and stroke, especially in vulnerable groups. Hot days also tend to worsen air quality (more smog and fine particles), and breathing polluted air in the heat can trigger cardiac events – within hours to days of exposure, heart attack and stroke risk goes up as pollution and heat combine. The World Health Organization underscores that heat can exacerbate cardiovascular disease, meaning it can make existing heart conditions worse or tip a person into crisis.

Importantly, certain heart medications can raise heat risk. Patients on beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics should be aware that these drugs, while critical for managing heart disease and blood pressure, may make it harder for the body to handle heat or may themselves become less safe if dehydration sets in. For instance, diuretics (“water pills”) increase urination and can hasten dehydration; combined with sweating, this can lead to dangerously low fluid or electrolyte levels. Some blood pressure drugs might lead to overly low blood pressure on a hot day (since heat already lowers blood pressure by dilating vessels). Tip: If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor about hot-weather precautions for your specific medications. Also, as the CDC advises, check both the daily heat risk forecast and the Air Quality Index (AQI) during summer – heat and poor air quality together are a risky mix for the heart.

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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

If you have diabetes, you might notice you feel the heat more intensely than others. This is not your imagination – diabetes can indeed make you more sensitive to high temperatures. There are a few reasons for this. First, people with diabetes (especially if long-standing) can have damage to blood vessels and nerves as a complication of the disease. Nerve damage may include the nerves that control sweat glands. So, some diabetics don’t sweat as effectively, impairing their ability to cool off. This raises the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke because your body might not shed heat fast enough.

Secondly, diabetes – particularly if blood sugar isn’t well-controlled – can lead to dehydration more quickly. High blood glucose makes you urinate more, which can deplete your fluids even before you start sweating from the heat. On a hot day, if you aren’t drinking enough, your blood sugar can actually climb higher; dehydration causes glucose to become more concentrated in the blood. It’s a vicious cycle: not drinking enough water raises blood sugar, and high blood sugar in turn makes you lose more fluids through urination. This can potentially lead to serious situations like diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in people with diabetes, which are medical emergencies.

Heat can also directly change how your body uses insulin. Many patients find that extreme heat makes their blood sugar levels more erratic. In some cases, insulin is absorbed more quickly from injection sites in warm skin, which could lead to unexpected dips in glucose (hypoglycemia). In other cases, dehydration and stress hormones released during heat may drive sugars up. The CDC recommends that people with diabetes monitor their blood glucose more frequently when it’s very hot and be prepared to adjust insulin dosage or diet to maintain control. Always keep your insulin and glucose testing supplies in a cool place – insulin can degrade and blood glucose meters can give errors if left in the sun or a hot car.

What do studies say about diabetes outcomes during heat waves? Unfortunately, they confirm increased risks. A systematic review reported about an 18% increase in diabetes-related mortality during heat waves compared to normal weather. Hospitalizations for diabetic complications like severe hyperglycemia also rise during hot weather. One cohort study in Australia found that on high-intensity heatwave days, hospitalizations for diabetes shot up by 37%. Researchers believe that both physiological stresses (dehydration, metabolic changes) and disruptions in routine (heat can change eating and exercise patterns) contribute to these spikes. The bottom line for diabetic patients: take heat warnings seriously. Stay hydrated, avoid being outdoors at the peak heat of the day, and monitor your sugar closely. It’s also wise to protect your diabetes medications and equipment from extreme heat (for example, insulin can lose potency if it overheats, and insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors may malfunction in high heat).

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Respiratory Conditions (Asthma and COPD)

For people with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), extreme heat can spell trouble for breathing. Hot air itself can be a direct irritant to the airways, and it can contribute to dehydration which thickens mucus in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. But perhaps the biggest issue is that hot weather often goes hand-in-hand with worse air quality. Strong sunlight and heat fuel the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant, especially in urban areas. High heat can also coincide with stagnant air that traps pollutants and allows particulate matter to build up. Breathing air with high ozone and particle levels can trigger asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

The CDC notes that just one day of breathing polluted air with high ozone can set off an asthma exacerbation. In children and teens with asthma (who may spend lots of summer time outdoors), hot days have been associated with more severe symptoms, more fatigue with exercise, and higher risk of attacks requiring medical attention. Similar risks likely apply to adults with asthma or COPD. Hot, humid weather can also make the air feel heavier and more difficult to inhale, sometimes leading to a feeling of chest tightness even in the absence of high pollution. And as mentioned earlier, dehydration from heat can cause electrolyte imbalances and lactic acid build-up that might worsen asthma control.

Scientific analyses back up these observations. A systematic review of extreme weather and asthma found that extreme heat significantly increases the risk of asthma morbidity – meaning more ER visits, hospitalizations, and even asthma-related mortality, particularly in certain groups like children. Another study observed that on very hot days, especially those with air pollution spikes, hospital admissions for COPD complications rose compared to normal temperature days. COPD patients may develop exacerbations (worsening cough, phlegm, shortness of breath) during heat waves due to the combined strain of overheating and inhaling irritants.

For those with asthma or COPD, it’s crucial to have a heat-weather game plan. On hot days, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) along with the temperature. If the AQI is over 100 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), limit your time outdoors. Try to do essential activities in early morning or late evening when it’s cooler and pollution levels may be lower. Make sure you continue taking your controller medications (inhalers) as prescribed, and keep quick-relief inhalers (albuterol) handy. One important safety note: inhalers and oxygen equipment should be kept out of extreme heat. Do not leave rescue inhalers or portable nebulizer solutions in a hot car or in direct sun; they can be damaged or even burst at high temperatures. Likewise, if you use oxygen, be cautious with tubing and tanks in hot environments. Many health departments suggest that patients with respiratory conditions also identify cooling centers or air-conditioned locations they can go to during heat waves if they don’t have AC at home, as breathing cool, filtered air can provide relief.

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Kidney Disease

Your kidneys play a central role in fluid and electrolyte balance – so it’s no surprise that extreme heat, which can cause rapid fluid loss, poses risks to kidney health. Even healthy people can get into trouble with their kidneys during prolonged heat (for example, via heat-induced dehydration leading to kidney stones or acute kidney injury). For those who already have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or reduced kidney function, dehydration stress is even more dangerous. High temperatures cause you to sweat more and risk becoming volume-depleted; when the body is dehydrated, blood flow to the kidneys can drop and the kidneys’ filtration ability is strained. In severe cases this can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) – a sudden decline in kidney function. AKI can usually be reversed with rehydration and medical care, but it’s something to avoid because repeated kidney injuries can worsen chronic disease over time.

Research clearly links hot weather to spikes in kidney problems. Medical reports have documented that acute kidney injury is common in people with heat stroke and even in milder heat illness cases. One analysis from the UK found that during a July heatwave, hospital episodes of acute kidney injury jumped by about 29% compared to typical conditions. The risk of AKI rose in a graded way: days that hit 32°C (90°F) had markedly higher AKI incidence than days around 17°C (63°F). This suggests that as days get hotter, kidney stress increases significantly. Furthermore, those most at risk included people with pre-existing kidney issues or contributors to kidney injury like diabetes and heart failure (these conditions often overlap, compounding risk). Another study in patients with established CKD observed that higher ambient temperatures were associated with faster decline in kidney function over time. In agricultural communities exposed to repeated heat, an epidemic of chronic kidney disease has been noted (sometimes called “heat-stress nephropathy”), believed to result from recurrent dehydration and heat stress damaging the kidneys.

If you have kidney disease – or risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a single kidney – treat high heat as a serious threat to your kidney health. Stay well hydrated (unless your doctor has you on a fluid restriction – in that case, speak with them about managing hot days). Water is best; during extended sweating, drinks with electrolytes (sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions) can help replace salt and minerals lost in sweat. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can further dehydrate you. Be extra cautious with medications that affect the kidneys. Certain pain relievers like NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) can hurt the kidneys if you’re dehydrated; the combination of NSAIDs + heat dehydration is a known factor for AKI. If you rely on these medications, use the lowest effective dose and stay hydrated, or ask your doctor about alternatives during heat waves. Patients on dialysis or with advanced kidney failure should follow their care team’s guidance about fluid intake and keeping cool – and seek cool shelters during extreme heat, since they cannot adjust fluid intake easily. Remember, acute kidney injury from heat is largely preventable by taking precautions. Your goal is to avoid letting yourself get to the point of extreme thirst or dark “concentrated” urine on hot days – both signs that your kidneys are under strain.

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Mental Health Disorders

We often think of heat affecting the body, but extreme heat can also affect the mind. Anyone can feel irritable or sluggish on a sweltering day, but for those with underlying mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or dementia), high heat can pose unique challenges. Studies have found that heat waves are associated with a rise in mental health emergencies – including increases in psychiatric hospital visits and even suicide rates. In fact, a comprehensive research review concluded that high ambient temperatures have a range of mental health effects, with the strongest evidence for increased suicide risk as temperatures climb. For example, multiple studies cited in that review observed suicide rates rising by 1% to 3% for each 1°C increase in monthly average temperature. Heat waves have also been linked to more admissions for mood and psychotic disorders, although the data on those is somewhat mixed.

Why would heat affect mental health? Several reasons are likely:

• Physiological stress: Heat imposes stress on the body that can exacerbate mental conditions. Poor sleep during hot nights (insomnia) can worsen mood disorders or cognitive function. Dehydration and heat can also alter brain chemistry and neurotransmitters slightly, potentially affecting mood and anxiety levels.
  
  
• Medication side effects: Many people with serious mental illnesses take psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers). Some of these medications interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. For instance, certain antipsychotics and antidepressants can impair sweating or make one less aware of thirst and overheating. This can put patients at high risk for heat-related illness. There have been cases of people on these medications suffering heat stroke because their bodies couldn’t cool properly. Additionally, lithium (a common bipolar medication) can become more concentrated and toxic if one gets dehydrated. Thus, people on psychiatric medications need extra vigilance in hot weather.
  
  
• Behavioral factors: During heat waves, routines are disrupted. Some individuals with mental illness might live in conditions with poor cooling or may be socially isolated (not having someone to check on them). Cognitive impairments (as in dementia) can mean not realizing one should drink more water or turn on a fan. There is also evidence that extreme heat can increase aggression and irritability, potentially contributing to higher rates of violence or substance use as coping mechanisms.
  
  

Given these factors, it’s important for patients and caregivers to include mental health in heat preparedness. If you have a mental health condition or care for someone who does, plan ahead for hot days. Ensure that the person has access to air conditioning or a cool space – many cities offer programs to assist vulnerable individuals with getting air conditioners or rides to cooling centers. Check in on them frequently during heat waves. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine, which can worsen dehydration and some psychiatric symptoms. If on medication, talk to the prescribing doctor about any heat-related precautions; sometimes dose adjustments or timing changes (e.g. taking it in the evening when it’s cooler) might be advised. Know the signs of heat-related illness in those who may not communicate it – for example, watch for confusion, dizziness, or a sudden worsening in behavior which could indicate overheating. Remember that “cooling off” can help both body and mind: even short cool showers or baths, cold towels, or public cooling centers can prevent overheating and the cascade of physical and mental effects that follow.

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Special Considerations for Older Adults and Vulnerable Populations

Anyone can suffer in extreme heat, but older adults and many other vulnerable groups are at particularly high risk. People aged 65 and above account for a disproportionate share of fatal heat stroke cases and heat-related hospitalizations. As we age, our bodies don’t adjust as well to sudden temperature changes. Older adults often have reduced sweat production and a diminished sense of thirst – meaning they might not realize they’re dehydrated until it’s serious. Chronic illnesses are also more common with age, and as we’ve discussed, conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and COPD all heighten heat vulnerability. The CDC plainly states that people over 65 are more prone to heat-related health problems. In fact, globally, heat-related mortality in the 65+ population increased by an estimated 85% in recent decades (2000–2021), largely due to climate warming.

If you are an older adult or have an older family member or neighbor, plan ahead for heat waves. Ensure the home has some cooling method – whether air conditioning or at least fans and access to cooler spaces during the hottest part of the day. It’s wise for seniors to drink fluids on a schedule in hot weather (for example, a glass of water every hour) rather than waiting to feel thirsty. Caregivers should check that older individuals are wearing light, loose clothing and not overexerting on very hot days. Importantly, check on older adults twice a day during heat waves – by phone or in person – to make sure they are okay, knowing that heat illness can sneak up quickly.

Beyond seniors, who else is vulnerable? Several groups deserve special attention:

• Infants and young children: Little ones rely on adults to keep them cool and hydrated. Their bodies heat up faster than adults’ and they may not be able to articulate their distress. Never leave a child in a parked car (temperatures inside can become deadly within minutes). Keep children out of the sun during peak heat and offer them fluids frequently.
  
  
• People with disabilities or mobility issues: Individuals who are bed-bound or have limited ability to move and seek cooler environments are at high risk. They may also have trouble communicating discomfort. Care providers should ensure their environment is climate-controlled and monitor them closely.
  
  
• Low-income and urban communities (heat islands): Where you live matters. City neighborhoods with lots of concrete and few trees can become “urban heat islands” that are significantly hotter than surrounding areas. Often, these are lower-income areas where housing may lack air conditioning. Residents of these neighborhoods face higher exposure to heat. Rural areas are not off the hook either – some rural communities see high rates of heat illness, possibly due to outdoor work and less access to medical care or cooling centers. Public health agencies have developed Heat Vulnerability Index maps to identify communities most at risk. On a personal level, if you live in one of these areas, try to make use of any community resources during heat waves (libraries, malls, community centers with cooling, or city-designated cooling centers). New York State, for example, coordinates a Cooling Center Finder tool to help residents locate places to get cool nearby.
  
  
• Outdoor workers and athletes: Those who work construction, agriculture, or other outdoor jobs, as well as people exercising or playing sports outside, generate body heat on top of the environmental heat. They need to take regular breaks, hydrate, and watch for heat illness symptoms. Employers should provide cool rest areas and schedule the heaviest work for cooler parts of the day if possible.
  
  
• Pregnant women: Heat may increase risks for both mother and fetus, including dehydration, heat stress, and possible adverse birth outcomes when exposure is chronic. Pregnant individuals should avoid overheating, stay hydrated, and follow their obstetric provider’s advice during heat waves.
  
  
• People on certain medications or substances: We already covered psychiatric meds and heart meds that can affect heat response. Additionally, those with substance use disorders or who consume alcohol heavily are at elevated risk during heat (alcohol is dehydrating and impairs judgment; drugs like amphetamines or MDMA can dangerously raise body temperature).
  
  

In summary, vulnerable populations need extra protection when it’s hot. Tailored heat safety plans – whether at the individual, family, or community level – can save lives. Public officials now recognize this; that’s one reason tools like the NYS Health Heat Index and local heat action plans focus on identifying vulnerable groups and getting resources to them.

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How to Stay Safe During Heat Waves

When the forecast shows a heat wave on the horizon, it’s time to put heat safety into action. Here are key steps everyone (especially those with chronic conditions or caring for vulnerable people) should take to stay safe:

• Stay Cool: The number one rule is to keep your body temperature from rising too high. Stay indoors in air-conditioned places as much as possible during extreme heat. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, identify a place you can go – for example, public libraries, shopping malls, community centers, or designated cooling centers in your city. Even a few hours a day in air conditioning can help your body cool off. At home, use fans, but note that fans alone may not prevent heat illness when indoor temps are very high (above ~95°F). Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temp. Limit outdoor activity to the cooler early morning or late evening hours. If you must be outside, seek shade frequently and avoid direct sun. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help sweat evaporate, and a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses for sun protection. Using a sun umbrella can also create personal shade. Remember that cars heat up dangerously fast – never sit in a parked car with the windows closed, and absolutely never leave children, pets, or anyone vulnerable in a parked car even for a few minutes.
  
  
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Water is generally best. An electrolyte sports drink can be helpful during extended sweating or if recommended by your doctor (for example, if you are on a fluid-restricted regimen, consult your healthcare provider about how to balance hydration and your restriction during heat). Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough that you’re urinating regularly and that your urine is light in color (dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration). Individuals with heart or kidney issues who have to limit fluids should discuss a personalized plan with their doctors for hot days – sometimes a slight increase in allowed fluids is appropriate if sweating a lot, but only do this in consultation with a physician. Also consider foods with high water content (fruits like watermelon, citrus, berries; salads); they can contribute to hydration. If you’re exercising or working outside, take frequent water breaks – don’t push until you’re lightheaded. By the time thirst hits, you may already be behind on fluids.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Pay attention to heat alerts and forecasts. Use tools like the NYS Health Heat Index dashboard or the CDC’s Heat & Health Tracker to know when high-risk days are coming. Local authorities may issue Heat Advisories or Excessive Heat Warnings – these are broadcast on weather apps, TV, radio, and online. Such alerts often come with guidance like “check on neighbors” or “cooling centers open in these locations.” Also keep an eye on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in summer, as noted, since heat and smog often go together. Many weather apps show the AQI, or you can check AirNow.gov. If there are power outages during heat waves (which can happen due to high electricity demand), be prepared with a backup plan to go to a cool location. Sign up for community alerts if available – some city health departments have systems to notify vulnerable residents (by phone or text) of heat emergencies.
  
  
• Have a Heat Action Plan: Especially if you have a chronic condition, make a personalized plan for extreme heat. This might include: a list of your medications (and noting which might need special care in heat, like keeping insulin cool or not sun-exposing certain meds); a strategy for where to go if your home becomes too hot; a buddy system with a friend or relative to check in on each other; and knowing the signs of heat-related illness in yourself. For example, if you have heart failure, your plan may involve extra weight checks to monitor fluid status (since dehydration and over-hydration are both risks), as well as staying in AC and wearing a medical alert for your condition. If you have asthma, your plan could include pre-treating with inhalers before going out in heat and avoiding outdoor exertion on high-AQI days. Those with mental health conditions should ensure their caregivers or friends keep an eye out for any confusion or agitation that could be heat-related.
  
  
• Know the Warning Signs: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold clammy skin, fast pulse, nausea or vomiting, and faintness. Heat stroke is more severe – body temperature ≥104°F, hot red dry skin or profuse sweating, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 if you suspect it. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler place and try cooling strategies like cool wet cloths or a bath, but do not give fluids if they are unconscious. For milder heat illness, moving to AC, rehydrating, and cooling down usually helps. When in doubt, seek medical attention. Remember that people with chronic illnesses might not present classic symptoms; for instance, an older person may become delirious or dizzy without the heavy sweating. Any sudden change in health status during a heat wave should be taken seriously.
  
  
• Look Out for Others: Heat safety is community care. If you have neighbors or relatives who are older, ill, or isolated, check on them regularly during heat waves. Ensure they have cool air and are hydrating. Offer to help them get to a cooling center if needed. If you know someone without air conditioning, invite them to your place if you have AC, or help them find resources. Also, don’t forget pets – they suffer in the heat too; keep them indoors cool and with plenty of water (and never leave them in cars).
  
  

By following these steps – stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed, and have a plan – you can dramatically reduce the risk that extreme heat poses, even if you have chronic health challenges.

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Final Thoughts

Extreme heat is a reality we all have to face more often, but understanding its impact on health is the first step in protecting ourselves. For those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung illness, kidney disease, or mental health disorders, heat waves aren’t just uncomfortable – they can be dangerous without proper precautions. The encouraging news is that heat-related health problems are largely preventable with awareness and planning. Measures such as using tools like the NYS Health Heat Index to gauge risk, avoiding heat exposure, and staying hydrated can save lives. Public health initiatives, from city cooling centers to state dashboards, are increasingly in place to help people cope with the heat.

As our climate trends warmer, taking heat seriously will become just as routine as taking an umbrella for rain. Pay attention to your body’s signals on hot days and never dismiss symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath as “just the heat” – take action to cool down. Check in on loved ones and neighbors who might need help when temperatures soar. By combining medical advice with community vigilance, we can reduce the toll of extreme heat on chronic illness. Stay cool and stay safe – your heart, lungs, kidneys, mind (and the rest of you!) will thank you.

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References

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2. New York State Department of Health (2025). New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard.
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4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Clinical Overview of Heat and Cardiovascular Disease
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6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Managing Diabetes in the Heat
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10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Heat and Chronic Conditions
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13. New York State Department of Health & CDC (2025). Notes from the Field: HeatRisk Forecasts and Heat-Related Illness – New York, 2024
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). People at Increased Risk for Heat-Related Illness
15. National Institute for Health and Care Research (2023). “Hot weather increases the risk of acute kidney injury”

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