Extreme Heat-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Cerceo reviews the impacts of extreme heat and climate change on health, highlighting risks, vulnerable populations, mechanisms of heat-related illnesses, and management strategies.<br /><br />Globally, 78% of people experienced at least 31 days of extreme heat recently, with such events now twice as likely due to human-driven climate change. Moderate heat extremes are largely attributable to global warming, with small temperature increases (e.g., 1.5 to 2°C) significantly affecting health outcomes.<br /><br />Heat exposure causes a spectrum of illnesses: from heat rash, edema, cramps, and exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke characterized by core temperatures >40°C causing multisystem damage including CNS injury, seizures, and high mortality (20-80%). Heat also exacerbates chronic conditions like cardiovascular, respiratory, renal diseases, and mental health disorders. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, low socioeconomic status populations, and those with pre-existing conditions or certain medications impairing thermoregulation.<br /><br />Heat affects brain function, cognition, and mental health, increasing risks for anxiety, depression, psychosis, and suicide. Climate-driven heat also raises violence and crime rates. Occupational heat stress, especially among laborers and those using stimulants or drugs, substantially increases risk.<br /><br />Managing heat illness requires rapid cooling (preferably cold-water immersion), supportive care addressing complications like rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, seizures, and organ failure. Pre-hospital care emphasizes “cool first, transport second” with rectal temperature monitoring. Prevention includes acclimatization, hydration with appropriate electrolytes, avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks, minimizing exertion in heat, and public health measures such as outreach to vulnerable individuals.<br /><br />Social determinants such as urban heat islands, historic housing discrimination, incarceration without cooling, and lack of resources exacerbate heat health disparities. Tools like CDC HeatRisk assist clinicians and public health officials in heat risk assessment and intervention.<br /><br />Overall, extreme heat poses a growing public health crisis due to climate change, necessitating integrated clinical, occupational, social, and policy approaches to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

extreme heat

climate change

heat-related illnesses

vulnerable populations

heat stroke

mental health impacts

occupational heat stress

heat illness management

social determinants of health

public health interventions