Delhi Heatwave Alert: How Extreme Heat Can Damage the Heart, Kidneys, and Brain
Delhi heatwave alert: Learn how extreme heat affects the heart, kidneys, and brain, warning signs to watch for, and tips to stay safe.
Extreme heat can put extreme stress on many of your internal organs including your hearts, kidneys and brain. Physicians warn that extensive exposure to high heat can result in serious illnesses and, in some cases, death. This is particularly true for older people, babies, outdoor workers and people with chronic medical conditions.
How Extreme Heat Affects the Human Body
Your body is intended to cool itself down through perspiration and blood circulation. However, when there is a severe heatwave (and/or high humidity), your body may find it difficult to control its temperature properly.
As your body temperature increases the various organs begin to work overtime to keep your normal bodily processes functioning normally. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, decreased blood volume and overheating can cause major stress on your body’s vital systems, very quickly!
Why the Heart Faces Serious Risk
The body naturally regulates its temperature by sweating and circulating blood. However, during extreme heat, especially along with high humidity, the body may have difficulty regulating its temperature.
As the body overheats, the vital organs must work hard to keep up. If the individual suffers from dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, decrease in good circulation and/or heat stroke, the body’s three major systems can be put under great stress.
How Heat Damages the Kidneys
The kidneys are very reliant on adequate hydration in order to filter wastes and maintain the body’s proper water balance.
During extreme heat, excessive perspiration can result in decreased blood circulation to the kidneys and significantly increase the risk of developing kidney injuries as the individual becomes dehydrated.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Doctors say immediate medical attention may be necessary if someone experiences:
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe weakness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Persistent vomiting
- Fainting
- Very high body temperature
- Reduced urination despite heavy sweating
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Final Words
As the temperature continues to increase, experts advise that the ability to identify early warning signs and take preventive action will be essential to preventing ongoing morbidity/mortality associated with the complications of heat stress. In order to reduce the volume of heat-related complications, it is critical for individuals experiencing heat-related symptoms to remain adequately hydrated and to limit their exposure to the elements any way they can. Ultimately, by maintaining hydration and minimizing heat exposure, an individual may protect multiple organs systems and potentially save their life.
FAQs
1. Can heat waves cause myocardial infarction (heart attacks)?
Yes – extreme temperature increases the mechanical workload on the cardiovascular system, thus increasing the incidence of serious cardiovascular complications.
2. Why are kidneys negatively impacted by heat waves?
Severe dehydration negatively effects renal blood flow and kidney function.
3. How does heat negatively impact the brain?
Severe overheating/dehydration will significantly impair brain function – resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches and/or fainting.
4. Which individuals are at highest risk for developing a heat-related illness?
The elderly, young children, those working outdoors and individuals who suffer from chronic medical conditions are all vulnerable population groups who face the greatest risk for developing heat-related illnesses.
