How the body responds to extreme temperatures, and what we can do to beat the potentially lethal impact
ABCAs Europe's record-breaking hot weather eases, the extent of its deadly toll is starting to surface. "So, if you've got an underlying infirmity of the heart muscles because you've got cardiovascular disease, for example, then you're more likely to have a catastrophic cardiovascular event when you're exposed to the heat," Dr Jay says. Dr Jay warns "if you have an underlying kidney problem … let's say renal disease or chronic kidney disease, that might lead to a catastrophic renal collapse or kidney failure". "So, if vulnerable people have any issues with their thermal sensory signals, we might see that they're at increased risk of not engaging in certain behaviours," Dr Vargas said. "Eventually, it's like you're sticking yourself in an oven and just blowing hot air over yourself," Dr Vargas says.
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