The heat wave continues to hit Spain with alerts for high temperatures that we should not ignore. Although all segments of the population must take into account the risk that this entails, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those who suffer from certain diseases are especially vulnerable to high temperatures.
Specifically, from the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG) they note that those over 65 are at greater risk of suffering a heat stroke. This is so because they present alterations in their thermoregulatory center, with a lower sensation of heat that does not encourage them to protect themselves from high temperatures. Likewise, in the elderly there is a lower perception of thirst, thus increasing the risk of dehydration, especially when the elderly suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, are overweight, chronic diseases or are prescribed drugs that promote such dehydration.
Heat stroke or hyperthermia occurs when our body temperature exceeds 41 degrees, thus altering our body’s thermal regulation mechanisms. As a consequence of this, the body suffers damage to the organism that can be severe. Thus, it is important to know how to recognize and prevent heat stroke, especially in the elderly.
