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Health experts warn of rising heat-related risks to heart, kidney, and lung health
Medical experts are warning of the severe health impacts caused by rising temperatures and extreme heatwaves. Clinical data indicates that respiratory complaints in emergency and outpatient visits have increased by 20% over the last two years, driven by factors such as air pollution, dust, humidity, and prolonged pollen seasons.
Heatwaves place significant strain on the cardiovascular and renal systems. High temperatures and humidity increase the heart's workload, while heat-induced vasodilation can lead to lower blood pressure and electrolyte loss, potentially causing kidney failure in vulnerable individuals. For those with existing heart or kidney conditions, the risk of complications is notably higher.
Special attention is required for high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. Seniors are particularly susceptible to dehydration as the sensation of thirst often decreases with age. Experts recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, maintaining consistent hydration without waiting for thirst, and using cooling methods like fans or air conditioning to manage body temperature.
Entities
American Heart Association · Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi · Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital · Hospital Universitario La Princesa · Ministry of Health · Servet Altay · Spain · Trakya University · Turkey · Turkish Kidney Foundation · United States · Yasemin Saygıdeğer
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. www.vijesti.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One in every 6 to 7 people in Turkey is at risk of chronic kidney disease. www.haberturk.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] People should avoid being outdoors between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to prevent heatstroke. www.bursahaber.com · www.gzt.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.gazeteabc.com · www.aydinses.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Heatwaves, air pollution, dust, humidity, prolonged pollen seasons, and wildfire smoke directly affect lung health. www.marasmanset.com · www.haber3.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] An estimated 27,564 deaths in Spain were attributable to high temperatures between 2015 and 2025. digitalsevilla.com · plazamayormadrid4c.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] Heat, high humidity, and prolonged sun exposure increase the workload on the heart. www.gazeteabc.com · www.aydinses.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can exacerbate leg swelling and venous issues. biznis.kurir.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] Respiratory complaints in emergency and outpatient visits have increased by 20% over the last two years. www.marasmanset.com · www.haber3.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Climate change and extreme heat are now considered a significant public health problem. www.benguturk.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dehydration involves the excessive loss of water and electrolytes required for bodily functions. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.lne.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Extreme heat can impair kidney function by lowering blood pressure and making it difficult to filter blood. www.eldia.es