Heat puts the human body under extreme stress and extremely high risk. What systems are affected by the extreme temperatures we have experienced in recent days in Greece and the Balkans.
The human body is well equipped to deal with them caused by difficult environmental conditions heat, can threaten core temperature. This temperature usually varies between 36 and 38 ° C, the ideal temperature that allows the body’s biochemical reactions to be completed smoothly to help the organs function properly.
In great heat, however thermoregulatory ability our body goes through a big test and with it many body systems.
When the core temperature deviates from the norm, the body starts to work normal reactions to bring the temperature back to normal.
This can be compared to the thermoregulatory reaction the thermostat of our house. When the indoor temperature deviates from the ideal, heating or cooling systems are activated to bring the temperature back to normal.
In the human body, this thermostat is located at the base of the brain, in an area called “hypothalamus”. It is provided by information received by the hypothalamus “sensors” of body heat, which is nothing more than our skin, muscles and various organs.
Heat: How our bodies deal with heat
The first and most important reaction of the body to an increase in temperature heat dissipation through our skin and body parts like our hands and feet. simpler, we begin to produce sweat it evaporates on our skin which lowers body temperature.
Although this system is very effective in cooling our body, it can be demanding up to 2 liters of water per hour in cases of extreme heat. In other words, we need to recharge our body to achieve thermoregulation “water tank” us many times.
Otherwise, it is at risk dehydration, that is, from the loss of the body’s ability to sweat and cool down, as a result overheating organs. Through drinking water we buy electrolytes and salts, helps maintain normal blood acidity, which is important for cell function.
So the most sensitive our compatriots, that is, those suffering from cardiovascular and circulatory diseases, children, pregnant women, those who work outdoors and those who are not protected from heat due to socio-economic reasons, are the target of high temperature.
But which organs are most affected by extreme heat?
Heart
According to experts, it is the first system to be affected cardiovascular. To sweat and cool down, blood flow shifts from the central organs to the peripheral circulation, and therefore often overheatingthey blush.
Sweat is caused by water loss and redistribution of blood flow drop in blood pressure in central organs so that vital organs maintain blood flow n heart he tries to compensate by increasing his pulse, that is, his heart rate.
Thus, if accompanied by redistribution of blood flow dehydration or excessive fluid loss, blood pressure will drop dangerously low and lead to a fainting episode, usually a sign that signals an episode. heat stroke.
In the worst case it can lead heart problem if the patient does not receive timely treatment.
Brain
It is another vital organ affected by heat stress the brain. High temperature disrupts communication between nerve cells, at the same time heat it even has the ability to affect the structure of DNA, proteins and also the integrity of the cell membrane.
It can cause dehydration electrolyte loss, can disrupt communication between nerve and muscle cells. The longer the body overheats, the more serious the consequences.
It is associated with brain pathways (neuronal circuits). thought and memory They can also cause emotional problems increased anxiety, headaches, and reduced decision-making.
It should be noted, “natural conditioner” is the respiratory system of the brain. The brain, that is cools down by breathing, the blood flowing to and from it is cooled.
But the negative effect is that blood pH rises due to a decrease in the pressure of bicarbonate and carbon dioxide (CO 2), which can disrupt the function of cells in other organs of the body.
Digestive system
Digestive system and intestinal tube another important one organ system affected by heat, because less blood flows to it due to peripheral redistribution of blood flow. This disorder prevents the system from working properly and therefore can become ill in frequent cases of heat stroke nausea and vomiting.
Urinary system
Finally, it can cause effects on water and sodium loss urinary system. Under the influence of a special hormone (antidiuretic hormone) secreted by our brain, the mechanism reabsorption of water and salts to neutralize the loss of blood pressure in the cardiovascular system.
This results in our kidneys produce less and less concentrated urine, with a more intense brown color. So we go to the toilet less often, and this can result in high temperatures and dehydration, especially for a long time. serious tissue damage in the kidneys.
Heat wave: what to do? Listen to your body
It goes without saying that drinking plenty of water, taking in salts and electrolytes, and staying in shady and cool places can save us from the worst.
People who don’t listen to their body properly, do not drink water during hot weather and ignore the recommendations of health authorities, they can put their body in unpleasant situations, for example heat strokethe heat stress and other demonstrable adverse events potentially fatal.
The elderly and those with heart diseasePeople with already overloaded cardiovascular system are at greater risk. At the same time, the elderly may not be well informed about the dangers of high temperatures.
Finally, babies and toddlers taking necessary measures for their protection depends only on parental care.
Tips
The best advice during a heat wave is actually to do what we know. I mean:
- Drink plenty of water while limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, which dehydrate the body.
- Avoid the sun, seek a cool place to stay during the hottest hours, and follow the recommendations of health authorities.
- Help those who are especially sensitive to heat, especially babies and the elderly.