Heatwaves are getting more common and is the largest weather-related cause of death in high-income countries. A summary of some of the implications is given in this review. Most of the excess mortality is preventable. However, there is need for increased preparedness and awareness. Common non-communicable diseases increase the risk of unfavorable outcome in relation to heatwave, and many commonly prescribed medications affect the heat regulatory system with increasing evidence for increased hospitalisation and mortality. There is an urgent need for further research on heatwaves effect on prescribed medication and mortality.
Published under Open Access CC-BY-NC-BD 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.