Simran Arora

Can Heatwave Make You More Prone To Stroke?

Stroke

A <span>heatwave</span> is getting worse with each passing day, and with it come dehydration, stomach flu, and sometimes even mood swings. But little do people realise that the risks associated with a heatwave could be much worse - it turns out that exposure to extreme heat could also give you a <span>stroke</span>. Dr Deep Das, Consultant - Neurology, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, in an interview with Health and Me, decoded the link between heatwaves and the risk of stroke.

<h2>How does a heatwave affect stroke risk?</h2>

Dr Das said that in very high temperatures, the body does not always cope in predictable ways. The brain is particularly sensitive to these shifts. One of the concerns is stroke. In the heat, people tend to lose fluids without realising how much. Blood volume drops, and circulation is affected. In some cases, the blood becomes more prone to clotting. At the same time, blood pressure can fluctuate. This combination increases the chances of a disruption in blood flow to the brain.

<h2>Can extreme heat give you a seizure?</h2>

<span>Seizures</span> are another risk, especially in those who already have epilepsy. Even when the condition has been stable, heat can unsettle things. Dehydration and changes in electrolyte balance make the brain more reactive than usual. A person who has been well-controlled for months may still have an episode during a prolonged heatwave. What makes this difficult is that these changes are not always gradual. Symptoms can appear suddenly.

<h2>What are the symptoms of a stroke?</h2>

A stroke refers to a potentially fatal medical emergency. It can be sudden or gradual, and it is characterised by a blockage in blood circulation to the brain. It can result in rapidly dying brain cells and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of stroke can be identified as FAST:

<ol><li><strong>Face: </strong>Face drooping on either side</li><li><strong>Arms: </strong>Weakness in the arms or inability to move the arms</li><li><strong>Speech: </strong>Slurred speech</li><li><strong>Time: </strong>Time is an important factor; immediate action can be life-saving for stroke patients</li></ol>

Apart from this, other symptoms of a stroke are:

<ol><li>Severe, unusual headaches</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Loss of consciousness</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Loss of balance</li><li>Inability to see clearly from one or both eyes</li></ol>

<h2>How to dodge a heatwave-related stroke?</h2>

In this weather, small precautions matter more than they seem. Some of the best ways to dodge a stroke amid a heatwave are:

<ol><li>Drinking water regularly helps, even before you feel thirsty</li><li>Staying indoors during peak afternoon hours reduces strain on the body</li><li>Living spaces need some form of airflow, even if it is basic ventilation</li></ol>

It also helps to keep an eye on people who may not notice these changes early—older adults, those living alone, or anyone with an existing medical condition.

Some people are more prone to stroke risk than others. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk factors, especially during a heatwave. If you are dealing with any of the following comorbidities, think twice before stepping out amid a worsening heatwave:

<ol><li>Hypertension </li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Sleep apnoea </li><li>High cholesterol</li></ol> 

Furthermore, people who are 65 years and above must avoid stepping out from 12 noon to 4pm. Even people who have a family history of stroke must not step out during these hours.

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A heatwave is getting worse with each passing day, and with it come dehydration, stomach flu, and sometimes even mood swings. But little do people realise that the risks associated with a heatwave could be much worse - it turns out that exposure to extreme heat could also give you a stroke. Dr Deep Das, Consultant - Neurology, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, in an interview with Health and Me, decoded the link between heatwaves and the risk of stroke.How does a heatwave affect stroke risk?Dr Das said that in very high temperatures, the body does not always cope in predictable ways. The brain is particularly sensitive to these shifts. One of the concerns is stroke. In the heat, people tend to lose fluids without realising how much. Blood volume drops, and circulation is affected. In some cases, the blood becomes more prone to clotting. At the same time, blood pressure can fluctuate. This combination increases the chances of a disruption in blood flow to the brain.Can extreme heat give you a seizure?Seizures are another risk, especially in those who already have epilepsy. Even when the condition has been stable, heat can unsettle things. Dehydration and changes in electrolyte balance make the brain more reactive than usual. A person who has been well-controlled for months may still have an episode during a prolonged heatwave. What makes this difficult is that these changes are not always gradual. Symptoms can appear suddenly.What are the symptoms of a stroke?A stroke refers to a potentially fatal medical emergency. It can be sudden or gradual, and it is characterised by a blockage in blood circulation to the brain. It can result in rapidly dying brain cells and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of stroke can be identified as FAST:Face: Face drooping on either sideArms: Weakness in the arms or inability to move the armsSpeech: Slurred speechTime: Time is an important factor; immediate action can be life-saving for stroke patientsApart from this, other symptoms of a stroke are:Severe, unusual headachesConfusionLoss of consciousnessDizzinessLoss of balanceInability to see clearly from one or both eyesHow to dodge a heatwave-related stroke?In this weather, small precautions matter more than they seem. Some of the best ways to dodge a stroke amid a heatwave are:Drinking water regularly helps, even before you feel thirstyStaying indoors during peak afternoon hours reduces strain on the bodyLiving spaces need some form of airflow, even if it is basic ventilationIt also helps to keep an eye on people who may not notice these changes early—older adults, those living alone, or anyone with an existing medical condition.Should you be worried? Some people are more prone to stroke risk than others. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk factors, especially during a heatwave. If you are dealing with any of the following comorbidities, think twice before stepping out amid a worsening heatwave: Hypertension DiabetesIrregular heartbeatSleep apnoea High cholesterol Furthermore, people who are 65 years and above must avoid stepping out from 12 noon to 4pm. Even people who have a family history of stroke must not step out during these hours.