Germany threatens the heat collapse

Temperature increase for the circulation a significant burden

18/06/2013

The summer is currently showing its sunny side and temperatures are rising to over 30 degrees Celsius. Although most people are happy about the abundant sunshine, there are some health risks associated with the sudden rise in temperature. Such high temperatures are a significant burden on the circulation, because the organism tries to maintain the normal temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius via the body's own temperature regulation.

In order to avoid an increase in body temperature at high outside temperatures, the body uses essentially two different mechanisms. On the one hand, the so-called peripheral blood vessels in the limbs widen, whereby the temperature output is increased. On the other hand, the body begins to perspire increasingly, which also serves the heat release and at the same time brings a cooling effect by the evaporation of sweat with it. The body's temperature regulation, however, has the side effect that the blood pressure can drop drastically, as the peripheral blood vessels absorb significantly more blood than before. Also, the fluid balance may get out of balance, as too much sweat is released. The result is significant circulatory problems, which in the worst case lead to a so-called heat collapse or even heat death.

Heat causes increased fluid loss and sagging blood pressure
The drastic increase in temperature since the beginning of the week is also a considerable burden for the circulation of healthy people. Any weakened persons (for example, seniors, the chronically ill, cardiovascular patients) are even more at risk. Typical consequences of excessive demands on the body's own heat regulation are the so-called heat exhaustion and a heat collapse. The heat exhaustion is primarily due to the high fluid loss during sweating and at the same time too low fluid intake. The resulting lack of fluid (dehydration) leads to a decrease in the amount of circulating blood and symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The skin, which initially appears reddened in the attempt to increase heat output, is now pale, the pulse is clearly accelerated, the respiratory rate is increased and the breathing is flat. If the body temperature rises to over 40 degrees Celsius, the affected person is threatened with a heat collapse.

Heat collapse: When the circuit collapses under the heat
In a heat collapse, the dilation of the peripheral blood vessels and the associated redistribution of blood in the body means that the heart only reduced amounts of blood are available for pumping, the blood pressure drops significantly and finally, the brain can no longer be adequately supplied with blood , The victims lose consciousness. You may experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and general weakness in advance. If the body's heat regulation is so overloaded that the body temperature rises to over 42 degrees Celsius, increasingly cells lose their biological function and the affected threatened the heat death.

Drink a lot, avoid physical exertion, pay attention to sunscreen
In order to avoid impairments of the organism by the high outside temperatures, physical stress - especially in the midday sun - should be avoided urgently, the body should be supplied with more fluid and in between, it must be regularly cooled off. In addition to the health impairments due to the increase in temperature, however, the direct negative effects of solar radiation in the summer weather are not to be underestimated. Without adequate sun protection, severe sunburns threaten to increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, an excess of solar radiation on the neck area and head can cause a so-called sunstroke, which describes an inflammatory reaction of the meninges on the temperature rise. The sufferers plague ailments such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck. The latter is a typical feature for the irritation of the meninges. In order to prevent health impairments due to solar radiation, the slogan propagated by the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD) should generally be used „Shun-Dress-creams“ be respected. The following applies: Avoid the sun, cover the body (including the head) with clothing and cream the skin around. (Fp)