Climate change up close: heat waves: Implications and prevention

Abstract

Background: Increasing temperature extremes and heat waves represent two of the most important climate change-related health risks for people in Germany. They have an impact on mortality and morbidity, the course of pregnancy and mental health. Particularly vulnerable populations include old people, individuals with pre-existing diseases, infants, pregnant women, and people undertaking hard physical work or engaging in sports outdoors. Although the majority of heat-related deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, kidney-related deaths are also possible. Objective: During heat waves, the risk for kidney-related morbidity and mortality increases. Acute kidney injuries, urolithiasis, electrolyte imbalances and urinary tract infections particularly occur. Chronic kidney diseases are also discussed as a possible consequence of climate change. The combination of heat, air pollutants and other environmental factors represents a particular burden for patients with kidney diseases. Conclusion: Nephrologists can make a significant contribution to the protection of vulnerable patients through heat-specific counselling and treatment. It is therefore important that nephrologists inform and educate themselves accordingly, so that they can adequately implement heat protection measures for the protection of patients and personnel in practices and hospitals.