How Heat Waves Kill?

Heatwaves can be deadly, primarily through the following mechanisms:

1. Heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to heatstroke. This condition can cause the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels, leading to organ failure, brain damage, and death if not treated immediately.
2. Dehydration: Excessive sweating in high heat can lead to severe dehydration, reducing blood volume and putting strain on the heart and kidneys. Severe dehydration can cause heat exhaustion, kidney failure, and even death.
3. Cardiovascular Strain: The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the skin’s surface to cool the body. In vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing heart conditions, this strain can lead to heart attacks or other cardiovascular events.
4. Respiratory Issues: High temperatures can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to complications that can be fatal.
5. Hyperthermia: Unlike heatstroke, hyperthermia is a gradual increase in body temperature over time, which can be fatal if the body cannot cool down effectively.

To prevent heat-related deaths, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat, seek cool environments, and watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Read More: