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Extreme heat poses rising global health risks to heart, kidney, and respiratory systems
Medical experts are warning of significant public health risks as extreme heatwaves intensify globally. In Turkey, respiratory-related medical visits have increased by 20% over the last two years, driven by climate-related factors such as air pollution, dust, and prolonged pollen seasons. Experts also note that heatwaves place severe strain on the cardiovascular and renal systems. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, electrolyte loss, and decreased blood pressure, which in turn increases the workload on the heart and can impair kidney filtration. In Turkey, it is estimated that one in every 6 to 7 people is at risk of chronic kidney disease, making them particularly vulnerable to heat-induced complications.
In Spain, the impact of extreme heat is substantial, with an estimated 27,564 deaths attributed to high temperatures between 2015 and 2025. The elderly are identified as a high-risk group due to physiological changes that make temperature regulation more difficult. Similarly, in the United States, extreme heat is recognized as a leading weather-related cause of death, with the American Heart Association advising caution to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
To mitigate these risks, health professionals recommend staying hydrated by drinking water regularly without waiting for thirst, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak sun hours (typically between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM), and wearing light-colored, breathable clothing. For those experiencing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or rapid pulse, immediate medical attention is advised.
Entities
American Heart Association · Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital · Servet Altay · Spain · Trakya University · Turkey · Turkish Kidney Foundation · United States · Yasemin Saygıdeğer · Çukurova University
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 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
- [DISPUTED] 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
- [● 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