Heatstroke: A Dangerous Health Risk

• Heatstroke, a deadly health issue, can occur due to prolonged exposure to heat.
• The World Health Organisation states that heat stored in the body is determined by the body’s inability to eliminate internal heat from metabolic processes and clothing creating a barrier to heat loss and gain.
• Heat stroke can increase the core body temperature, leading to dizziness and profuse sweating.
• The body’s metabolism has a specific temperature of 38 to 39 degrees Celsius.
• Excessive sweating due to constant heat exposure can cause dehydration, making blood thick, making circulation difficult, and causing a drop in blood pressure and saturation levels.
• When body temperature increases to over 40 degrees Celsius, it can affect enzyme-mediated reactions and potentially cause stroke.
• Dehydration can lead to hypernatremia, which could cause a brain haemorrhage.
• Heat exposure can affect the body’s metabolism, affecting sodium, potassium, and fluid levels, and potentially causing encephalopathy.
• Preexisting illnesses and altered mental behavior can also trigger heat stroke.