Heat Stroke To Heart Problems: Expert Shares Health Risks That Can Significantly Increase During Hot Summer Days

Heat Stroke To Heart Problems: Expert Shares Health Risks That Can Significantly Increase During Hot Summer Days (Image Credits: iStock)

As global temperatures continue to rise, the health risks associated with extreme heat events are becoming an increasingly pressing concern for public health officials worldwide. Extreme hot summer days can pose significant health risks, affecting people across all age groups. We got in touch with Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals who shares health risks that may significantly increase during hot summer days.

Heat-Related Illness

Dr Rakesh Gupta shares that one of the most immediate threats during hot weather is the risk of heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can develop when the body's temperature regulation mechanisms are overwhelmed.

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, and nausea are some common symptoms. If left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency characterized by high body temperature, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

Dehydration

Dr Rakesh Gupta explains dehydration is another major concern during hot weather. As the body sweats to cool itself, it loses vital fluids and electrolytes. Without proper hydration, this can lead to a range of issues from mild discomfort to severe health complications.

Symptoms: Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and decreased urine output. In extreme cases, dehydration can cause rapid heartbeat, confusion, and even organ failure.

Respiratory Issues

Dr Rakesh Gupta shares that air quality often deteriorates on hot days, exacerbating existing respiratory conditions and creating new health risks. Heat can trap air pollutants close to the ground, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog. This poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cause respiratory irritation even in healthy individuals.

Symptoms: Symptoms of respiratory issues during excessive heat include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and increased mucus production. People with asthma or COPD may experience exacerbated symptoms, leading to difficulty breathing, fatigue, and a higher risk of respiratory infections

Heart Problems

Dr Rakesh Gupta explains cardiovascular strain increases significantly during hot weather as the body works harder to cool itself. The heart must pump more blood to the skin's surface to facilitate cooling, which can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions. This increased strain can lead to a higher risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Symptoms: During excessive heat, symptoms of heart problems can include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, dizziness, and fatigue.

Skin Problems

Dr Rakesh Gupta shares that prolonged exposure to intense sunlight on hot days also raises the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. UV radiation is typically stronger during heat waves, increasing the likelihood of sunburn, which not only causes immediate discomfort but also raises the long-term risk of skin cancer.

Symptoms: Symptoms of skin problems during excessive heat include redness, swelling, and itching from heat rash, painful sunburns with blistering, dry and flaky skin, and exacerbation of conditions like eczema. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe burns, heat stroke, and an increased risk of skin cancer due to UV damage.

Who Is At Risk?

Dr Rakesh Gupta explains certain populations are particularly vulnerable to these heat-related health risks. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health conditions or limited mobility face higher risks during hot weather. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, as those without access to air conditioning or adequate housing are more exposed to extreme heat.

Strategies To Reduce Risk Of Health Problems During Summers

To mitigate these risks, Dr Rakesh Gupta recommends several strategies:

- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even before feeling thirsty, is crucial.

- Seeking cool environments, particularly during the hottest parts of the day, can help prevent overheating.

- Using fans, taking cool showers, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing are effective cooling strategies.