A warning has been issued to Brits who take blood pressure medication such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. They are being advised to check with their GP whether they need to lower their dosage amid the current heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for the South West, South East, London, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands until 5pm on Thursday (May 28). Meanwhile, a separate yellow warning is in place for the North East and North West as temperatures continue to surge. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now issued a warning to people who take medication that may impact how their body operates in the heat.
The MHRA said: “Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells.”
Both ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers impair the natural cooling mechanisms of our body, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. While health professionals urge people to not stop taking their medication in a heatwave, they should take extra precautions which include speaking with a doctor.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, added: “Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.”
She continued: “And remember, for all medicines it’s important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.”
Health professionals may recommend lowering the dosage of the medication while temperatures remain hot. They may also advise to take extra care in making sure you stay cool and hydrated.
It comes after a record-breaking couple of days across the UK, with many areas recording their highest May daily maximum temperatures ever. The highest was recorded at Kew Gardens, in London, where the mercury hit 35.1C – topping its previous May record of 32.8C.
Across southern and central England, a number of areas saw temperatures top 30C. Counties including Oxfordshire, Surrey, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire all saw temperatures reach new record well into the low and mid-30s.
The hot weather is set to continue throughout the end of this week. The Met Office‘s five-day forecast for the UK states: “Largely dry with sunny spells and very warm once again on Friday.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
