Heatwave in India leads to alarming rise in fainting episodes. More needs to be done to address the issue

India is currently battling temperatures rising to record levels with heatwaves expected to increase further with climate change. According to scientists, climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe heatwaves during the summer months, with higher rates of heat syncope, which is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness - a condition that usually occurs after standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying. 

Recently, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari fainted during an election rally and needed immediate medical assistance to recover. A television anchor also fainted earlier this month while reading heatwave updates live on air. Reports mentioned that her blood pressure suddenly fell. Such cases are becoming a common sight in different parts of the country even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more heatwave days than normal between April and June. 

Such cases of fainting are frequent and often seen among school-going children and the elderly in India - a nation with the world's largest population. But this health issue often goes unnoticed, with the mere assumption that a rise in temperature is solely responsible. However, there's a need for a comprehensive study of longer heat waves; and their impact on the human body. 

A study published earlier this year in February in Science Direct found "strong evidence of heatwave impacts on daily mortality".

"Longer and more intense heatwaves were linked to an increased mortality risk, however, they resulted in a lower burden of heatwave-related deaths. Both definitions and the burden associated with each heatwave definition should be incorporated into planning and decision-making processes for policymakers," the study mentioned. 

However, gaps in policy-making are evident when administrative actions are not taken with children's struggles while going to school, players' troubles while playing cricket matches during intense heat, and more. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already blamed heatwave as one of the primary reasons for a low voter turnout in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. 

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Heatwave in India 

WION reached out to experts to know more about fainting episodes in high temperatures. Dr Bikky Chaurasia, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai, said, "Fainting episodes in high temperatures can occur due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. When the body overheats, blood vessels dilate to cool off, causing a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting." 

During the summertime, especially those who are going out for work must stay hydrated, and cool, and seek shade or air conditioning in hot weather to prevent fainting. 

Dr VV Vivekanand, Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist, Bronchoscopist and Sleep Medicine specialist at Rainbow Children's Hospitals, Chennai also weighed in on the same as he told WION that fainting episodes in high temperatures are signs of a heat-related health problem, which is called heat exhaustion. It can also lead to heat stroke. This happens when your body struggles to control its temperature. 

"When it's hot, your blood vessels widen to send more blood to the skin for cooling. This can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness and fainting. Dehydration resulting from low water consumption can make one more susceptible to this issue," Dr Vivekanand added. 

Dr Haresh Mehta, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Khar, told WION that fainting episodes usually occur during the initial days of heat exposure, in unacclimatised and elderly individuals. It occurs as an inadequate blood flow to the brain, preceded by peripheral vessel dilation and dehydration, which limits total blood volume, causing the loss of consciousness. 

This is commonly triggered by standing for long periods of time without movement or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position, being orthostatic in nature. Heat syncope causes individuals to experience dizziness (vertigo) or light-headedness, weakness, tunnel vision, pale or sweaty skin, decreased or weak pulse and loss of consciousness. 

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Why do people faint in summer? 

1) Dehydration: In hot weather, people may sweat more, leading to dehydration. When the body loses too much water and electrolytes, it can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting. 

2) Exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration and cooling off can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, nausea, and fainting. 

3) Heat Stroke: This is a more severe form of heat-related illness where the body's temperature regulation system fails. Heat stroke can cause fainting, along with other symptoms like confusion, rapid pulse, and hot, dry skin. 

4) Vasovagal Syncope: Some people are prone to fainting in response to triggers such as heat, dehydration, standing for long periods or overreaction to certain triggers like the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. This type of fainting, called vasovagal syncope, occurs due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
If a patients displays any of the above symptoms kindly meet a nearby physician immediately.

'Prevention remains prudent' 

Meanwhile, Dr Mehta said, "Prevention remains prudent. Maintaining hydration and avoiding the outdoors or physical activity in high temperatures are first-line steps to prevention. Avoidance of alcohol and other causes of dehydration is vital as well." 

Dr Mehta advised that if one experiences heat syncope, she/he must be moved to a shaded/cool area, sit/lay over the back with the legs raised, plenty of fluids with electrolytes given slowly over a period of time. It must be followed by rest and further avoidance of high temperatures. 

While mentioning immediate actions that should be taken if someone faints, Dr Chaurasia said, "If someone faints, it's important to lay them down, elevate their legs, and cool them off while seeking medical help if necessary." 

Dr Vivekanand suggested if fainting occurs or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like high fever, confusion, or seizures, one must seek medical attention immediately.