Dubai: The scorching summer heat can bring more than just discomfort; it can seriously impact your health. According to experts, extreme heat can cause a range of health issues, including heart attacks, dizziness, nausea, fainting, muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, and excessive sweating.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a staggering 85% increase in heat-related deaths among people over 65 between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. WHO also warns that heatwaves are among the most dangerous natural hazards, with even mild heatwaves affecting vulnerable individuals.
Dr. Ahmed Bilal, a health expert, told TravelsDubai.com: “High temperatures can severely impact your cardiovascular and overall health. It's crucial to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and recognize early signs of heat-related illnesses. Simple measures can prevent serious health risks.”
Below, we will explain how extreme heat impacts human health and offer crucial prevention tips.
How does extreme heat affect human health?
1. Increased Heart Rate
When exposed to high temperatures, your heart rate increases as your body works harder to cool down, leading to a higher heart rate.
2. Dizziness
Heat can cause dehydration, making it difficult for your brain to receive adequate blood flow, resulting in dizziness.
3. Low blood pressure
Continuous sweating in summer depletes fluids and electrolytes. Heat also dilates your blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
4. Fatigue
Extreme heat can cause fatigue and nausea. This should not be ignored, as it can lead to heat stroke if left untreated.
5. Dehydration
Excessive sweating leads to dehydration, causing headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, reduced urination, dry mouth, and low blood pressure, among other issues.
Prevention tips
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Drinking water and sports drinks with electrolytes can help replace the water the body loses while sweating.
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Try to wear loose-fitting, light-colored, cotton clothing
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Even with cracked windows, a car’s interior temperature can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Keep the car locked so children can’t get inside when you're not in it.
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Limit outdoor activities, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m
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Seek medical help if you notice symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
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A sunburn can disrupt your body’s ability to cool itself, so wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming.
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Stay in the shade whenever possible and hydrate. Athletes should take frequent breaks to rest.
If someone exhibits any of the above symptoms of heat illness, Dr. Bilal says you should immediately:
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Bring them indoors or to a shaded area
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Elevate their legs
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Remove excess layers of clothing to help moisture evaporate
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Give them water
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Allow them to rest
“If symptoms become more serious, seeking immediate medical attention at the emergency department is crucial. This will allow doctors to check for dehydration, circulation problems, and breathing difficulties," he adds.