Several states in Brazil are under alert for a suffocating heat wave, as declared by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). In addition to high temperatures, low levels of relative humidity should also predominate in the country. The Midwest is the region that is expected to be most affected.
In an interview with CNN this Wednesday (20), Stéphanie Rizk, cardiologist at Rede D’Or and Sírio-Libanês, told which organs in the human body are most damaged by the conditions imposed by the heat wave. See below:
Kidneys
According to Rizk, the kidneys are the most affected organs, mainly due to dehydration caused by water consumed by the thermal regulation mechanism — which makes the body sweat to reduce body temperature.
“[O mais prejudicado é] the kidney first. Initially, it reduces filtration, concentrates urine, and can increase the formation of kidney stones”, explained the cardiologist.
Heart
As the doctor pointed out, the heart can be affected because, in the process of regulating body temperature, vasodilation occurs, that is, an increase in blood flow. This increases the heart rate, which, in turn, can be dangerous if the person has any previous comorbidity.
“The heart [é afetado], especially if someone has heart failure. With vasodilation, which occurs for us to dissipate this heat), the heart accelerates and this can culminate in some decompensation of a disease”, he stated.
Other bodies
Rizk also warned about the effects that heat and resulting dehydration can have on the brain, such as dizziness and blurred vision. The cardiologist also stated that, with greater water consumption, the blood becomes thicker and this can generate other problems.
Finally, the doctor cited the effects of intense heat with low humidity on the lungs. “At this time, pollutants increase a lot. Those who already have an obstructive lung problem and asthmatics that can trigger attacks are groups that we have to be very careful with,” she said.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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