Exposure to high temperatures reduces the ability to fight infection, a study has found.
It may increase inflammation in the body and interfere with the immune system's functions, increasing susceptibility to infections and worsening existing heart problems.
The study results were shared at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention in Chicago.
Daniel Riggs, lead study author and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Louisville, told The National: “Exposure to heat results in physiological stress and high temperatures can activate the innate immune system and induce inflammation."
This is partly due to the heat-making toxins that leak from the intestines, leading to inflammation, he said.
The study involved recruiting participants during the summer months in Louisville, Kentucky, where temperatures are usually 29°C to 35°C, and analysing their blood for markers of inflammation and immune-system function.
“To estimate heat exposure, we used daily averages of ambient outdoor temperatures and the Universal Thermal Climate Index, a heat metric incorporating temperature, humidity, wind speed and ultraviolet radiation, designed to reflect a person’s thermal perception more accurately,” Dr Riggs said.
The analysis found for every 5ºC increase in UTCI, there was an increase in the levels of key markers of inflammation in the blood.
This indicates that relatively small changes in perceived temperature can significantly affect inflammation and immune-system markers.
The findings indicated that being exposed to the heat raises the number of some blood cells and a protein that leads to swelling and irritation in the body.
Higher temperatures were also linked to decreased levels of B-cells, crucial for producing antibodies to fight off infections.
“This suggests that exposure to high temperatures may impair our ability to fight off infectious agents,” Dr Riggs said.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat.
“Older adults [over 65s] and people with cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk from the health effects of high heat,” Dr Riggs said.
This showed the need for protective measures, especially in hot climates such as the Middle East.
“The first heatwave of the summer is typically the most dangerous, as people have not had the opportunity to acclimatise to the higher temperatures," Dr Riggs said.
“Some practical strategies to minimise the harmful effects of heat exposure include increasing fluid intake, staying in cool or air-conditioned environments, wearing loose-fitting clothes and reducing activity levels."
As this study was published, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) issued a report highlighting record-breaking climate events in 2023.
Records were again broken, and in some cases smashed, for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea-level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and glacier retreat, the WMO said.
Heart attack risk
Another research published in Circulation reveals that extreme heat combined with fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) significantly increases the risk of fatal heart attacks, especially among women and older adults.
Analysing more than 202,000 fatal heart attacks in Jiangsu province, China, from 2015 to 2020, the study found the combination of extreme heat and high levels of PM2.5 to be particularly deadly.
Yuewei Liu, senior author of the study, emphasised the preventive angle.
“Our findings provide evidence that reducing exposure to both extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution may be useful to prevent premature deaths from heart attack, especially for women and older adults,” Dr Yuewei said.
Both sets of research underline the critical importance of public awareness and action to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme temperatures and air pollution, and the need for adaptive strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Australia squads
ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.
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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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