Extreme Heat Can Cause Organ Failure, Doctors Warn

The body tries to stay near 37°C. When the air gets hotter, blood vessels open wider, and sweat cools the body. But this lowers blood pressure, makes the heart work harder, and takes away water and salt. This can cause heat exhaustion, with dizziness, sickness and confusion. If a person is not cooled in about 30 minutes, it can become heat stroke. Then body temperature goes above 40°C, and the heat damages every organ.

Heat stroke can be deadly. It can cause organ failure, coma and death in minutes. Heat already kills many people. England had about 2,985 extra deaths in the summer of 2022. Most heat deaths come from heart attacks and strokes. Old people, babies, and sick people are most at risk. Doctors say people should stay inside during the hottest hours, drink water, and cool anyone who feels ill.