Heatwaves Threaten Heart Failure Patients

A new French study has suggested that heart failure patients are affected during periods of extreme heat intensified by climate change, particularly with regards to their weight, especially those who take diuretics. The research conducted by researchers at the University of Montpellier involved 1,420 patients suffering from heart failure and showed that these patients lost some weight during the two heatwaves that hit France in the summer of 2019. According to the report published by the European Journal on the study, while healthy individuals increase their fluid intake during hot weather, the body regulates the excess through urine output. However, this mechanism does not function the same way for heart failure patients as they take diuretics. Dr. François Roubil, the study supervisor, explained that "those suffering from heart failure may find it difficult to adapt to heatwaves. Above all, they receive medications that can lead to side effects under extreme temperatures, such as diuretics." The results indicated that weight fluctuations in heart failure patients occur due to stress related to heatwaves. A change in weight can be an indicator of a deterioration in their clinical condition. The study urged heart failure patients to discuss alternatives to these medications with their doctors before heatwaves.