Trigger factors of general body overheating (scientific review)

Global statistics show that approximately 489,000 people died annually from heat-related causes over the past two decades. Higher temperatures are associated with increased risk of mortality due to general accidents and four main subtypes, including road traffic accidents, falls, drownings, and unintentional injuries. Elevated temperatures and periods of anomalously hot weather already increase the global health hazard and cause significant economic losses. Mortality from general overheating is high and ranges from 33 to 80 %, with terminal events including shock, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, renal failure, and neurological dysfunction. Residual neurological disorders were observed in 17 % of survivors. General overheating affects military personnel, athletes, workers in hot industries, and civilian populations exposed to or having formed risk factors for general inadvertent body overheating. Therefore, identifying and, where possible, preventing these risk factors is currently relevant. Exogenous hyperthermia contributing and predisposing factors are identified, timely detection and prevention of which will allow medical and social workers to limit the detrimental effects of hot conditions on public health.