Heat Health - CDC

Extreme heat is a growing public health threat that can worsen both physical and mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses or substance use disorders, outdoor workers, and those without reliable access to cooling. Heat increases the risk of conditions including heat illness, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes complications, and mental health emergencies, while also emphasizing the impact of heat islands, poor air quality, and certain medications on heat-related risk.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to identify patients at increased risk, review medications that may impair heat tolerance, and develop individualized heat action plans that promote hydration, access to cooling, symptom recognition, and emergency prepardness. Links are provided to specialized clinical guidance for populations such as children with asthma, pregnant patients, and individuals with cardiovascular disease.