CNA Explains: Why is heat a silent killer?
More than 10,000 excess deaths were reported across Europe during the record-breaking heatwave late last month. According to official data from 27 European nations, most of the fatalities involved people aged 65 and above. "Excess deaths" is the number of deaths that is above what would normally be expected over a given period of time. Heat is often called a silent killer because it is often an indirect cause of death. Extreme temperatures can trigger heat stroke, dehydration, putting extra strain on the heart and lungs. Experts say warm days are especially dangerous, because the body has less time to cool down and recover.
More than 10,000 excess deaths were reported across Europe during the record-breaking heatwave late last month. According to official data from 27 European nations, most of the fatalities involved people aged 65 and above. "Excess deaths" is the number of deaths that is above what would normally be expected over a given period of time. Heat is often called a silent killer because it is often an indirect cause of death. Extreme temperatures can trigger heat stroke, dehydration, putting extra strain on the heart and lungs. Experts say warm days are especially dangerous, because the body has less time to cool down and recover.
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