Extended periods of high temperatures affect the human body through multiple physiological mechanisms. As external heat increases, blood vessels dilate near the skin to release heat, which lowers blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Simultaneously, perspiration increases, causing the body to lose fluids and salts while disrupting the balance of these substances within the system.
These combined changes can produce heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms including dizziness, nausea, fainting, confusion, muscle cramps, headaches, heavy sweating, and tiredness. If blood pressure drops excessively, the risk of heart attacks increases. More severe heat-related illness, heatstroke, represents a medical emergency and can cause core body temperatures exceeding 40C, seizures, and loss of consciousness. The human body maintains a core temperature of approximately 37C under normal conditions, and when external temperatures prevent adequate cooling, this regulatory system becomes compromised.
Certain populations face heightened vulnerability to heat-related harm. These include older individuals, infants and young children, people with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, those with reduced mobility, individuals experiencing homelessness, and people with neurological conditions like dementia that impair heat awareness. The UKHSA identifies those living alone or in top-floor residences as similarly vulnerable. Specific medications, including diuretics, blood pressure-lowering drugs, certain epilepsy and Parkinson’s treatments, lithium, and statins, can compound heat-related risks through various mechanisms such as increased dehydration or impaired sweating.
Public health data indicates significant mortality associated with extended heat events. An estimated 2,985 excess deaths occurred during the summer of 2022, when England recorded its highest temperature of 40.3C. Health authorities recommend protective measures including maintaining cool indoor environments, adequate hydration, limiting sun exposure between 11:00 and 15:00, and monitoring vulnerable individuals. For those showing signs of heat exhaustion, immediate cooling interventions within 30 minutes can prevent progression to heatstroke.
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