Under what circumstances is heatstroke more likely to occur?
Jul 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, situations that make individuals prone to heatstroke are mainly related to environmental factors and personal conditions. Common causes include prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments, insufficient water intake, weakened physical resistance, wearing non-breathable clothing, and overexertion. To reduce the occurrence of heatstroke, it is advisable to avoid going outdoors during midday hours in hot weather and to pay attention to timely hydration.
Generally, situations that make people prone to heatstroke are mainly related to environmental and personal conditions. Common factors include prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments, insufficient water intake, weak physical resistance, wearing non-breathable clothing, and excessive fatigue. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures: During summer, prolonged activity under direct sunlight or in hot, stuffy, and poorly ventilated indoor environments can cause the body to generate more heat while struggling to dissipate it, leading to heat accumulation and increasing the risk of heatstroke. For example, engaging in outdoor physical labor for extended periods or working in enclosed high-temperature workshops can heighten the risk of heatstroke.
2. Insufficient water intake: In high-temperature environments, the body sweats more. If water and electrolytes are not replenished timely, it may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, affecting the body's ability to regulate body temperature and increasing the likelihood of heatstroke. This situation is especially common among individuals who do not drink enough water or forget to hydrate due to a busy work schedule.
3. Weakened physical resistance: Elderly individuals, children, and people with chronic illnesses have poor thermoregulatory capacity and low tolerance to high temperatures. Compared to healthy adults, they are more susceptible to heatstroke under the same environmental conditions. Their bodies cannot adapt quickly to environmental changes, making it difficult to maintain normal physiological functions effectively.
4. Wearing non-breathable clothing: Wearing tight, heavy, or synthetic clothing in high-temperature environments can hinder heat dissipation through the skin, preventing the body from releasing heat efficiently, causing body temperature to rise, and increasing the risk of heatstroke. For example, wearing non-breathable long sleeves and trousers while being active under direct sunlight can easily lead to discomfort.
5. Excessive fatigue: Performing high-intensity physical or mental work in high-temperature environments increases the body's energy consumption and accelerates metabolism, resulting in increased heat production. Fatigue also reduces the body's heat tolerance, making heatstroke more likely. For example, engaging in continuous heavy physical labor without adequate rest significantly increases the risk of heatstroke.
To reduce the occurrence of heatstroke, people should try to avoid going outdoors during midday in hot weather, pay attention to timely hydration, choose breathable and loose clothing, and arrange work and rest reasonably to avoid excessive fatigue. For individuals with weaker resistance, additional protective measures are needed to reduce exposure time in high-temperature environments.
