DOH fears heat wave may cause stroke among elderly

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed fear that the occurrence of a heat wave or the rise in temperature for three consecutive days might put many people, especially the elderly, at risk of a stroke.

In an interview, DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag said the elderly are the most at risk when there is a heat wave since their bodies do not show symptoms.

“The mechanism of their bodies to send a signal that they are experiencing a heat stroke has changed. They would just faint,” Tayag said.

He added that this summer, the elderly must take precautions by drinking lots of water and avoiding going out in the sun.

Last Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, Metro Manila registered the hottest temperatures ranging from 36 to 36.6 degrees Celsius.

These temperatures are not yet considered a heat wave but Tayag said the public should be cautious.

“It is considered a heat wave if the temperature is high for three consecutive days,” he said.

He explained that one is suffering from a heat stroke if his body temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius or if there is disturbance in the central nervous system causing him to hallucinate or if his urine is dark yellow.

“If a person feels thirsty and no longer sweats, it means that he is already developing heat stroke,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recorded the hottest temperature in Tuguegarao, Cagayan at 39.7 degrees Celsius at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Nathaniel Cruz, Pagasa deputy administrator, said the temperature in Metro Manila reached 36 degrees Celsius yesterday.

Based on Pagasa’s data, the hottest temperature experienced in the country was recorded in Tuguegarao City on May 11, 1969 at 42.2 degrees Celsius.

Cruz warned that Metro Manila residents might experience even hotter days ahead – possibly as high as 38 degrees Celsius.

Pagasa recorded the hottest temperature in Metro Manila last Sunday at 36.3 degrees Celsius.