Citizens are advised to drink enough fluids, stay in cooled spaces, avoid sun exposure, and check on their relatives and neighbors. It is also reminded that small children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.
During heat waves, individuals with certain health issues may notice a deterioration, and doctors highlight four conditions that are particularly risky.
„The cardiovascular system must exert extra effort to release heat and cool the body. This leads to an increased heart rate and heightened sweating, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. The longer you stay in the heat, the greater the strain on the heart,“ says Michael.
Hot weather can also cause tachycardia, or an accelerated heart rate, which in some cases can be life-threatening.
Kidney Stones
Urologist Dr. Araš Akavein from Cedars-Sinai Hospital warns that people are at a higher risk of kidney stones during hot weather.
„Dehydration in hot and dry conditions poses a significant risk for stone formation. The more you sweat and lose fluids, the more concentrated the urine becomes. When it is too concentrated, minerals crystallize more easily and form stones,“ warns the doctor.
Gout
People suffering from gout, a form of arthritis, should be particularly cautious during the summer months. Research shows that hot and humid weather can increase the risk of gout attacks, even when staying in air-conditioned spaces.
„Dehydration can raise uric acid levels, which triggers gout attacks,“ adds the organization.
Headaches
Changes in pressure and temperature can cause headaches, so individuals prone to migraines are more susceptible to attacks during heat waves. According to the migraine foundation, one-third of sufferers cite dehydration as a trigger.
Intense sunlight can also trigger headaches and activate light-sensitive nerve pathways associated with migraines.
„Stress caused by high temperatures also raises cortisol levels, which is another known trigger,“ adds the health organization WMC Health.
„The cardiovascular system must exert extra effort to release heat and cool the body. This leads to an increased heart rate and heightened sweating, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. The longer you stay in the heat, the greater the strain on the heart,“ says Michael.
Hot weather can also cause tachycardia, or an accelerated heart rate, which in some cases can be life-threatening.
Kidney Stones
Urologist Dr. Araš Akavein from Cedars-Sinai Hospital warns that people are at a higher risk of kidney stones during hot weather.
„Dehydration in hot and dry conditions poses a significant risk for stone formation. The more you sweat and lose fluids, the more concentrated the urine becomes. When it is too concentrated, minerals crystallize more easily and form stones,“ warns the doctor.
Gout
People suffering from gout, a form of arthritis, should be particularly cautious during the summer months. Research shows that hot and humid weather can increase the risk of gout attacks, even when staying in air-conditioned spaces.
„Dehydration can raise uric acid levels, which triggers gout attacks,“ adds the organization.
Headaches
Changes in pressure and temperature can cause headaches, so individuals prone to migraines are more susceptible to attacks during heat waves. According to the migraine foundation, one-third of sufferers cite dehydration as a trigger.
Intense sunlight can also trigger headaches and activate light-sensitive nerve pathways associated with migraines.
„Stress caused by high temperatures also raises cortisol levels, which is another known trigger,“ adds the health organization WMC Health.
Comments