According to the Centers
for Disease Control, excessive heat caused the deaths of 8,015 people between
1979 and 2003, the last year for which statistics are available. This tally was
higher than those who lost their lives from hurricanes, lightning, floods, and
earthquakes combined.
According to the American Heart Association, heart attack deaths peak not only in the winter, but in the heat of summer as well.
Overheating of the body
can result in hyperthermia, a condition in which the body’s core becomes
overheated. Coupled with dehydration, this condition can result in an
electrolyte imbalance and, as a result, people can go into cardiogenic
shock.
In cardiogenic shock, the
heart becomes suddenly weak and cannot pump enough blood to the rest of body.
“This can cause a multi-organ failure that can trigger a heart attack or sudden
cardiac death,” according to Dr. Crandall, chief of the cardiac
transplant program at the world-renowned Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
One of the biggest dangers
of hot temperatures is dehydration. This loss in body fluid can also result in
the life-threatening heartbeat irregularity known as atrial fibrillation.
Another danger is that
extreme heat causes the blood vessels to widen, as the body attempts to rush
blood to the surface in an attempt to cool down. This is especially dangerous
for people who take common medications such as blood pressure drugs. Many
of these drugs increase the risk fainting in the heat.
Heat
exhaustion, over heating of the body, is
strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel
when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A
relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your
body's ability to cool itself.
The
risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs
to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to
pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that the heat
index is even higher when you are standing in full sunshine.
There
are a number of factors that can make an individual more susceptible to heat
exhaustion. They include:
Age. Infants and children up to
age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust
to heat more slowly than other people.
Health conditions. These include heart, lung,
or kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes,
mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any conditions that
cause fever.
Medications. These include diuretics,
sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, some heart and blood pressure
medications, and medications for psychiatric conditions.
The
most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- confusion
- dark-colored urine (which indicates dehydration)
- dizziness
- fainting
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- pale skin
- profuse sweating
- rapid heartbeat
Cramping is usually among
the first symptoms. Cramps usually occur in the arms, legs and stomach. If
untreated, heat exhaustion occurs next, resulting in any number of symptoms
from the above list. If these symptoms are not addressed, the condition
can progress to life-threatening heat stroke.
One of the most important
things to recognize about heat stroke, and other heat-related problems, is that
for the most part these problems are avoidable with a bit of attention and
common sense.
Tips for being safe in hot
weather:
•
Wear light fitting breathable clothing.
•
Make sure you are well hydrated. Drink one to three cups of water before
heading outside, and then continue drinking water at 20-minute intervals, even
if you are not aware that you are thirsty.
•
If you are on high blood pressure or heart medications, remember that you may
feel the effects of heat more keenly and take extra precautions. Also ask your
doctor if they need adjusting.
•
Wear well-ventilated shoes and socks.
•
Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
•
Caffeinated drinks pull water out of the body so avoid them or drink them very
sparingly.
•
When walking or exercising in the heat; stick to shady areas when possible.
•
Avoid the sun between noon and 3 p.m., when it’s the most intense.
•
Make sure you protect your pets from the heat as well.
So keep yourself safe as
you enjoy the summer weather.
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