A heat-wave may be associated with increased mortality for vulnerable populations. Bouchama et al identified risk factors affecting mortality, which can help identify persons at risk.
Parameter |
Increased Risk |
Decreased Risk |
mobility |
confined to bed |
highly mobile |
travel outside of home |
not done daily |
frequent |
activities of daily living |
dependent |
independent |
social contact |
limited |
increased |
comorbid disease |
psychiatric, cardiac, respiratory |
none |
medications |
psychotropic drugs |
none |
access to a means of cooling off |
none |
air conditioning, fan, extra bathing, able to go to a cool place |
where:
• Most of the people who die during a heat wave are elderly. The vulnerable elderly have one or more of the risk factors.
• Air quality is often poor in a city during a heat wave, which can adversely affect a patient with respiratory disease.
• Hydration status and electrolyte balance would seem to be important factors.
The more adverse risk factors that are present, the greater the chances of a poor outcome.
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,