Extreme Heat and Health: Understanding the Impact

Extreme heat has been associated with a 54% increase in heat-related mortality among people aged 65 and over in the past 20 years. The Lancet climate change and health countdown highlighted the various diseases linked to extreme heat exposure, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and injuries. The podcast discusses the mechanisms by which heat affects the human body, emphasizing that high body temperatures are not the main cause of hospitalizations and deaths during extreme heat events. The speakers highlight the different pathways of vulnerability, including age, comorbidities, and medication use. They also delve into the indirect effects of heat on society, such as economic impacts, aggravation of mosquito-borne and waterborne diseases, and reduction in physical activity. Building resilience to extreme heat requires interventions, implementation, and policy changes. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cooling strategies, understand medication impacts, and develop tools to raise awareness of heat health risks.