Diabetes and asthma may worsen due to heat exposure.
As temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod are expected to reach a sweltering +31 degrees Celsius today, July 9, it's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with high ambient temperatures. Svetlana Nemova, a therapist at "SberZdorovye," recently spoke to RT about the effects of heat, highlighting the increased risks for various health conditions.
High temperatures can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Heat stress can lead to dehydration, which reduces blood volume and strains the cardiovascular system, potentially causing heart attacks and strokes. Prolonged heat exposure can also exacerbate pre-existing cardiovascular conditions by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the heart muscle.
People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable during high temperatures. Heat can increase the risk of dehydration, leading to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. High temperatures can also make it harder to manage blood glucose levels, as dehydration can affect medication absorption and insulin sensitivity.
Bronchial asthma can also be exacerbated by heat. The worsening air pollution that often accompanies high temperatures is a known trigger for asthma attacks. High temperatures can also increase respiratory stress, leading to more frequent or severe asthma symptoms. The combination of heat and poor air quality can create a "double whammy" for people with asthma, increasing the risk of hospital admissions and respiratory complications.
Svetlana Nemova also noted that heat can worsen autoimmune disorders, although specific studies on the direct impact of high temperatures on autoimmune diseases are limited. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable during high temperatures, she added.
Heatstroke, a condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system is overwhelmed, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature, can be fatal if not treated promptly. Individuals with pre-existing conditions (like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes) are more susceptible to heatstroke due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature effectively.
Elderly individuals, those with pre-existing health conditions, and people without access to cooling measures are at higher risk from heat-related health issues. Staying hydrated, using cooling measures (like air conditioning), and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat can help mitigate these risks.
In an interview with RT, Svetlana Nemova emphasised that any type of heat can lead to dehydration, which can have serious consequences for health. She also stated that without medical intervention, the condition caused by high temperatures can progress to heatstroke.
It's important to remember that understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. So, stay safe and cool this summer!
- During high temperatures, people with pre-existing medical-conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or type-2 diabetes may face increased risks due to reduced ability to regulate body temperature effectively and the potential for heatstroke.
- Exacerbated by poor air quality, heat can worsen bronchial asthma, leading to more frequent or severe asthma symptoms and an increased risk of hospital admissions and respiratory complications.
- In addition to cardiovascular conditions and asthma, heat can exacerbate autoimmune disorders, although further studies on the direct impact of high temperatures on autoimmune diseases are needed.
- Heat stress can lead to dehydration, which is a concern for mental-health, since dehydration can affect medication absorption and insulin sensitivity, potentially causing complications for people with chronic-diseases like type-2 diabetes.
- To stay safe during high temperatures, people should remain hydrated, use cooling measures (like air conditioning), and minimize prolonged exposure to heat to mitigate risks associated with heat-related health issues. The effects of heat on health should be better understood to develop effective prevention and management strategies, especially for vulnerable populations.
