HEALTH FIRST Cardiologist Kevin Campbell, MD, contributes to this Vero News’ piece on how high heat can injure and kill us. “There are preventive steps we can take. Pre-hydrate …. Take frequent breaks. Avoid alcohol and smoking. If you’re swimming, you may feel more comfortable but the need to hydrate is still real.” READ the full feature here. 

Do you know how high heat can kill you? 

“Once the body’s core temperature becomes 104 degrees or greater, it can lead to problems in a matter of minutes,” says Health First Cardiologist Kevin Campbell, MD, FACC. 

The body responds to high core temperature by dropping blood pressure. If the response continues unabated for too long, internal organs become deprived of oxygenated blood. The itself can cause cell death, also leading to organ failure.

Dangerously high temperatures are being blamed for a rising seasonal death rate due to daytime highs. In 2021, about 1,600 people’s death was attributed to extreme heat. Twenty years ago, the number was about 500. 

“There are preventive steps we can take,” says Dr. Campbell. “Pre-hydrate as much as possible when you know you’re going to be outside. Take frequent breaks. Avoid alcohol and smoking. If you’re swimming or doing something water-related, you may feel more comfortable but the need to hydrate is still real.”

Dr. Campbell says football players and fall sports athletes should be particularly aware of this.

“Our high school football season starts very early, while temperature and humidity are still high.

“Coaches, parents and student-athletes all need to be aware of potential problems and make sure water and shade are available. The key is that if the situation becomes an emergency, don’t wait – call 9-1-1 immediately.”

READ the full feature in Vero News HERE.