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What are the disadvantages of heat in humans?

Published in Heat Health Risks 3 mins read

Heat poses several disadvantages to human health, primarily due to the body's efforts to cool itself, which can strain vital organs.

Impact of Heat on Human Health

The primary problem with excessive heat is the stress it puts on the human body's cooling mechanisms. This stress can lead to various health issues, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Below is a table summarizing the disadvantages of heat.

Disadvantage Description
Cardiovascular Strain The body's attempt to cool itself, mainly through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin, puts extra stress on the heart, potentially worsening cardiovascular conditions.
Kidney Strain Increased strain on the body trying to cool down, can also worsen kidney function and may cause acute kidney injury
Worsening Chronic Conditions Heat can exacerbate existing health problems such as cardiovascular, mental, and respiratory illnesses, as well as diabetes-related conditions.

Detailed Explanation

  • Strain on the Heart: When the body tries to cool itself down in hot conditions, the heart has to work harder. This is because it pumps more blood to the skin's surface, where heat can be released through sweating. This added strain can be particularly dangerous for people with existing heart problems.
  • Strain on the Kidneys: Similar to the heart, the kidneys also bear the brunt of the body's attempt to regulate its temperature in heat. This strain can lead to acute kidney injury, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
  • Exacerbation of Chronic Illnesses: High temperatures can worsen a variety of chronic illnesses. For instance, individuals with heart disease might experience increased chest pain or shortness of breath. People with respiratory conditions like asthma may experience breathing difficulty. Similarly, the body's stress response can complicate the control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Practical Implications

It is important to understand how to mitigate these health risks when exposed to high temperatures:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps the body regulate temperature and reduces strain on the heart and kidneys.
  • Seek Shade or Air Conditioning: Staying out of direct sunlight and finding cool places can prevent the body from overheating.
  • Limit Strenuous Activity: Engaging in intense physical activity in heat increases the body's need to cool down, worsening the strain on vital organs.
  • Check on Vulnerable Individuals: It's important to check on the elderly and people with chronic conditions during heatwaves, as they are more susceptible to the negative impacts of heat.

The strain put on the body as it tries to cool itself also stresses the heart and kidneys. As a result, heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions (cardiovascular, mental, respiratory and diabetes related conditions) and cause acute kidney injury.