Summary of the Key Points
This article focuses on heatstroke, the most dangerous type of sunstroke, and introduces the topic through two real-life cases. It highlights that heatstroke can occur not only in extreme heat but also during exercise at temperatures as low as 10°C. The article states that the mortality rate from heatstroke is as high as 32.4% (one out of every three people who suffer from it dies), and the number of cases treated in 2022 increased by 180% compared to 2021. Heatstroke is categorized into two types: classic (caused by insufficient heat dissipation, more common in the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases) and exertional (caused by excessive heat production, often mistaken for sudden cardiac death in athletes). The article also explains the mechanisms behind heatstroke and identifies nine common misconceptions (for example, fans are ineffective in hot and humid conditions, and prolonged high temperatures are particularly dangerous). Finally, it provides practical guidelines for prevention and first aid.
Heatstroke: An “Invisible Killer” with a Mortality Rate of Over 30%, More Common Than You Think
Heatstroke is not just a simple case of sunstroke; it is the most fatal form of heat-related illness:
- Alarming mortality rate: Studies show that the mortality rate reaches 32.4%, meaning that one in every three patients does not survive.
- Surging incidence: In 2022, 539,000 people sought medical treatment for heatstroke nationwide, a 1.8-fold increase from 2021, which is directly related to global warming and the increasing number of hot days.
- Distinguish between the two types:
- Classic type: Caused by insufficient heat dissipation, such as when the elderly use fans at home in hot and humid weather without any effect. This type is more common in the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases.
- Exertional type: Caused by excessive heat production during intense exercise, where muscles generate up to 14-17 times more heat than usual (equivalent to a small electric stove), exceeding the body's ability to dissipate it. Strangely enough, 20%-30% of sudden deaths during exercise are actually due to exertional heatstroke and are often misdiagnosed as heart attacks.
How Does Heatstroke Kill?
The human body's normal core temperature is around 37°C. Once it exceeds 40°C, all systems start to fail:
- Protein denaturation: Similar to how egg whites solidify when boiled, proteins in the body (such as enzymes and muscle proteins) lose their function, preventing cells from working properly.
- Chain reaction of organ damage:
- Heart: Reduced contractility, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in all organs.
- Brain: Decreased blood flow and swelling, causing confusion or even coma.
- Kidneys: Muscle cell destruction (rhabdomyolysis), with toxins entering the bloodstream and leading to kidney failure.
- Liver: Liver cell necrosis and a breakdown of the intestinal barrier, leading to systemic infections and bleeding.
This is why heatstroke can be fatal even with immediate treatment; the organs have already been severely damaged.
Nine Common Misconceptions That Can Lead to Heatstroke
Many people have misconceptions about heatstroke, and the following situations are particularly dangerous:
1. Fans are ineffective in hot and humid weather: When temperatures exceed 33-35°C and humidity is high, fans do not help evaporate sweat; instead, they create a hotter environment. Aunt He suffered from heatstroke even with a fan on at 40°C. In such cases, air conditioning is essential.
2. Prolonged high temperatures are more dangerous than single hot days: Heat accumulates in the body, especially if it does not cool down at night, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can cause sudden episodes. Therefore, warnings of three consecutive hot days should be taken seriously.
3. Don’t assume a sudden collapse during exercise is just fatigue: Even at temperatures below 10°C, intense exercise can still cause heatstroke. If someone collapses and loses consciousness while exercising, heatstroke should be suspected.
4. The perceived temperature is often higher than the weather forecast: The weather forecast reflects conditions inside a weather station, but on the street, due to sun radiation, humidity, and the heating of the pavement, the actual temperature felt can be 10°C or more higher. The “Wet Bulb Black Ball Temperature (WBGT)” index is a better indicator of risk, as it takes into account temperature, humidity, and radiant heat.
5. High-risk groups: The elderly, children, overweight individuals, and patients with chronic diseases (such as diabetes or heart disease) are more susceptible. Other at-risk groups include those who are fatigued, sleep-deprived, have infections (e.g., before a race), or are taking certain medications (such as antihistamines like loratadine or antidepressants like paroxetine).
Prevention and First Aid: Remember These Key Points
Although heatstroke is dangerous, it can be prevented and treated:
- Prevention tips:
- Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM during hot weather; choose shaded paths, wear loose, light-colored, and breathable clothing, and wear a hat that allows ventilation.
- Acclimatize before exercising in hot weather: Train at high temperatures for 10-14 days beforehand to increase plasma volume and promote sweating.
- Rehydrate with electrolytes: Drinking only plain water can lead to hyponatremia (a condition affecting 13% of marathon runners). Drink sports drinks when sweating heavily.
- First aid steps:
- Immediately move the person to a cool, well-ventilated place (preferably with air conditioning).
- Remove excess clothing, sprinkle water on the body, and use fans; place ice packs or cold towels on the head, neck, armpits, and groin.
- If the person is unconscious, do not give them water or medication, and avoid giving them fever-reducing drugs (they are ineffective and can harm the kidneys and liver).
- If there is no improvement or the person loses consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
In conclusion, as summer gets hotter, don’t hesitate to use air conditioning—it’s cheaper than hospitalization. Don’t push yourself too hard during exercise; safety is more important than performance. Share these tips with your family and friends, especially the elderly and those who exercise regularly. Although this article is not about financial news, considering the medical costs and lost productivity due to heatstroke, prevention truly saves money in the long run.