"During heatwaves, it's not just heatstroke that's scary"... there are six other dangers.

Now that the rainy season is over... the heatwave is approaching...

This summer... I heard it's really an intense heatwave... ㅠㅠ

Heatwaves are not the only thing to fear with heat-related illnesses...

Everyone, please be very careful of heatstroke, heart attack, stroke, migraines, kidney disease, and high blood pressure...

I should also cut back a little on caffeinated coffee and drink more water...

I really hope this summer passes safely without any issues...

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During the scorching heat, be cautious of seizures and worsening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, migraines, kidney disease, and hypertension.

This summer, I am afraid of an unprecedented heatwave. Many people around me are worried about the scorching heat and tropical nights. During the intense heat, ice cream melts, and broken eggs cook. It is extremely hot. Elderly and vulnerable people should pay special attention to endure this summer well. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

During the scorching heat, elderly people, children, and the sick, whose immune systems are significantly weakened, should pay special attention to their health. In extreme heat, heatstroke is not the only concern. According to the American health media 'Healthline,' people with weakened immune systems should be cautious of episodes and worsening symptoms of heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction), strokes, migraines, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.

A 2022 study involving over 219 million American adults aged 20 and older shows a close correlation between heatwaves and overall mortality rates. Dr. Loanna Luke, Associate Dean for Education at Texas Christian University School of Medicine, said, "Summer is a time for enjoyable outdoor activities, which can easily distract the mind, but the elderly and vulnerable should pay particular attention to their body's signals."

Understanding the dangers of heat due to global warming and how to avoid them is becoming increasingly important. During hot summer months, people who need to pay close attention to their health include infants and young children who cannot regulate their body temperature or request or consume fluids, elderly individuals (especially seniors with underlying health conditions), pregnant women, and patients with various chronic illnesses.

No one is immune to health issues related to heat. Understanding the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses can help protect yourself and those around you who are at high risk. The American healthcare media 'Healthline' highlighted six health risks associated with extreme heat, such as heatwaves and tropical nights, and provided ways to cope with them.

◇Migraine Attack = Migraines are estimated to affect 12-15% of the global population. Dr. Joshua Feinstein, an emergency medicine specialist at Memorial Hermann, said, "Migraine symptoms vary and include throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, irritability, nausea, and dizziness." A recent study presented at the American Headache Society conference found that heat can significantly increase the risk of migraine attacks. Additionally, a survey of about 40,000 people, including approximately 15,000 migraine patients, analyzed that various weather conditions such as humidity and temperature increase the incidence of headaches. Dr. Feinstein warned, "Heat can worsen inflammation, prolonging migraine symptoms," and "Dehydration can severely impair the ability to fight migraines."

◇Blood pressure rise or fall= Heat can cause blood pressure to significantly decrease or increase. Sweating heavily in hot weather reduces body fluids and blood volume. This can lead to low blood pressure. When changing positions, such as lying down and then standing up, issues like orthostatic hypotension may occur. Severe dizziness can be felt. Dehydration puts strain on the kidneys and lowers blood pressure. Dr. Luke said, "On the other hand, some people may experience an increase in blood pressure. In cases of heatstroke, it is necessary to lower body temperature and induce sweating to prevent the temperature from rising. This causes blood circulation to become more active. As a result, blood pressure can significantly increase due to the heat." When blood pressure rises, headaches and dizziness may occur.

During a heatwave, it is advisable to drink 2-3 cups of water before going out or to carry water with you. People exposed to the scorching heat should take breaks in the shade whenever possible, and wear hats and sunglasses. Especially if you feel weakness, headache, or nausea, you should quickly seek shade, hydrate well, and use a damp cloth or an ice pack. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

◇Worsening of Kidney Disease = According to previous research results (2022), there is a strong correlation between kidney disease patients visiting the emergency room and exposure to heatwaves. Dr. Luke said, "The kidneys help regulate the body's fluid balance. During heatwaves, sweating increases and stress levels rise, which can impair kidney function." In hot summer months, more water is needed to maintain kidney function. During heatwaves, the risk of dehydration increases. Kidney disease affects about 11% of the global population.

◇Heatstroke occurrence= Dr. Fine Stein explained, "Heat causes strokes through dehydration and raises body temperature, leading to heatstroke. As a result, the risk of stroke can increase." Signs of heatstroke include mental confusion, behavioral changes, speech changes, and seizures. Heat exhaustion is somewhat different from heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is a warning sign that the body is overheating. When symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and nausea appear, it is necessary to lower the body temperature and replenish fluids and electrolytes. Find shade to rest and apply cold compresses. Caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration symptoms, should be avoided.

◇Heart attack occurrence= According to a research study published in the international journal Circulation (2023), deaths from cardiovascular disease due to heat could increase by approximately 162% by the mid-21st century (2036-2065). A study involving about 202,000 heart attack deaths in Jiangsu Province, China (2023), shows a close relationship between the risk of death from a heart attack and extreme temperatures, whether very hot or cold. Dr. Luke stated, "When exposed to heat, especially temperatures higher than body temperature, the heart sweats, and blood must circulate to the skin to protect against heat. The workload of the heart increases significantly. Consequently, the risk of conditions like heart attacks can also rise." Symptoms of a heart attack include not only chest pain or pressure but also arm pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and other signs.

◇Onset of Stroke= According to previous research results (2020), weather conditions such as heat are emerging as new risk factors for stroke due to global warming. There can be a lag of 1 to 6 days between heat exposure and the occurrence of stroke. If exposed to severe heatwaves, neurological symptoms of stroke should be monitored for up to about a week. There is also a study showing that every 3°C increase in average temperature over three days raises the severity of stroke by 67%. Dr. Luke said, "Heatwaves stress the bodies of the elderly, which can significantly increase the incidence of stroke, especially in people with risk factors such as hypertension." Symptoms of stroke include weakness in the arm or leg (especially on one side), changes in vision, facial drooping, slurred speech, difficulty walking (gait disturbance), or loss of balance. Rapid response is crucial in stroke treatment.

Experts recommend ways to stay safe and cool during the heatwave, such as understanding the risks of heat-related health issues, staying well-hydrated, drinking 2-3 glasses of water before going out, avoiding strenuous exercise, seeking shade outdoors, wearing hats and protective clothing, using fans and air conditioning, taking sufficient rest, monitoring for symptoms, and seeking medical attention immediately if illness is suspected. If you feel weakness, headache, or nausea, avoid the heat, drink plenty of fluids, and use a damp cloth or ice pack. If symptoms persist, you should promptly visit a hospital.