PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s ongoing heatwave is not just uncomfortable – it can quietly worsen existing illnesses and turn dangerous if left unchecked, health experts warn.
Public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said extreme heat acts as a physiological stressor, placing added strain on the body, especially for those with chronic conditions.
“For people with heart disease, the body has to work harder to cool itself. The heart pumps more blood to the skin, which can trigger complications such as irregular heartbeat, stroke or even heart failure,” he said.
He added that dehydration during hot weather can thicken the blood, increasing the risk of clotting and further straining the cardiovascular system.
Respiratory conditions such as asthma are also at risk of worsening.
For those with diabetes, the risks are compounded.
“They are more prone to dehydration and may not sweat efficiently, making it harder for the body to regulate temperature. This increases the likelihood of heat exhaustion or heatstroke,” he said.
He noted that the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses face higher risks due to weaker thermoregulation.
“Children, for example, heat up faster than adults and rely on caregivers to keep them hydrated and cool,” he said.
This vulnerability was underscored by a recent child death linked to heat exposure in a parked car.
Dr Zainal explained that temperatures inside a vehicle can rise from 32°C to as high as 50°C or 60°C within 30 minutes.
“A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Once it reaches 40°C, heatstroke begins. Beyond that, organ failure can occur very quickly,” he said.
Echoing this, public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said the heatwave can make illnesses harder to manage and slower to recover from.
“In some cases, it can even become fatal if intervention is delayed.
“Worsening air quality during dry conditions can further aggravate both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” she said.
Recognising early warning signs is also critical.
“Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps.
“If left untreated, it can escalate into heatstroke, marked by hot, dry skin, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness,” she said.
“It could become a medical emergency. Immediate action is needed to cool the body and seek treatment,” she added.
