Heatwaves Can Worsen These 6 Health Conditions

The current heatwaves are inflicting far more damage than a mere bout of heatstroke, with repeated episodes proving particularly detrimental to health. According to Santé publique France, the week of June 22-28 alone saw an excess of 2,025 deaths compared to the previous week. This surge was notably concentrated in homes, with a 91% increase.

As of Friday, July 10, 72 departments remained on orange alert, with temperatures expected to range between 36°C and 41°C. Kévin Jean, an environmental health epidemiologist at the École normale supérieure in Paris and author of "À notre santé !" (To Our Health!), detailed the profound effects these recurring heat episodes have on the human body, both in the short, medium, and long term.

Jean explained that the body is calibrated to function around an internal temperature of approximately 37°C. When external temperatures rise significantly, the body activates thermoregulation mechanisms to cope. One primary response is vasodilation, where blood vessels widen to help dissipate heat. However, these mechanisms come at a cost, placing considerable strain on the body's systems as it battles extreme heat.