Extreme Hot Days Linked to Higher Risk of Emergency Hospital Visits
Whether it’s heart disease, CVD, or mental health, extreme heat can have devastating effects on human health. Extreme temperatures are linked to a higher risk of emergency hospital visits (EH). These findings suggest that people who suffer from heat-related illness should take precautions to avoid the potentially harmful effects of extreme heat.
Impact of extreme heat on morbidity
Extreme heat is a serious health threat. It increases the risk of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Even with the availability of air conditioning, the burden of disease related to heat continues to be substantial. Each year, heat leads to thousands of excess deaths. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent heat-related deaths and reduce the impact of extreme heat on health.
A recent study in the United States found that higher ambient temperatures are associated with an increased risk of emergency department visits and hospitalisations. This result was especially clear for young children, but older children and adolescents were also at high risk of heat-related illness. The findings of the study suggest that targeting child populations in heat illness prevention and emergency response efforts is crucial.
Impact of extreme heat on CVD morbidity
A new study has found that climate change may be contributing to increased frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. This type of heat can increase the workload on the heart and cause heart attacks. In addition, heat can worsen the effects of other heart conditions, such as diabetes and heart medications.
The study examined mortality during extreme heat events across 3,108 US counties. Previous research has focused on urban areas, but the results from the present study show that the mortality rates are higher in rural and non-urban areas than in urban areas. The researchers noted that mortality rates from all causes were higher during extreme heat events than on non-extreme heat days. Moreover, deaths were significantly higher among blacks, men, and older adults.
Impact of extreme heat on mental health
Heat waves aren’t just an inconvenience – they can also be a cause of stress, depression, and disaster-related PTSD. Climate-induced stress can exacerbate these mental health conditions, and there are particular risks for people who live in low-income areas and for women. Low-income women are twice as likely to become depressed during a heat wave than their higher-income counterparts.
While the physical effects of heat exposure are well known, their impact on mental health is still relatively unknown. However, several studies suggest that they may have significant effects. Direct physical effects include heat stroke, heat rash, and swelling. Indirect effects include cardiovascular illness and kidney insufficiency. The impact of heat on mental health is still unclear, but some research has revealed some potential links.
