SoCal likely has more heat-related deaths than we realize, expert says

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

The scorching heat wave that gripped Southern California in September likely killed more people than the official count suggests, an expert says. Although there were 10 heat-related deaths reported in L.A. County during the heat wave, the true toll is likely higher, according to Dr. David Eisenman, medical director of UCLA's environmental health sciences program. "Unfortunately, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because doctors don't consider heat related illness if they don't think of it," Eisenman said.

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises to dangerous levels, which can damage the brain and other organs and often leads to death. Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of heat-related illness but can still be dangerous if not treated promptly. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue and nausea. The official heat-related death toll is based on death certificates, which rely on doctors to accurately diagnose the cause of death. But Eisenman said many heat-related deaths are misdiagnosed as heart attacks, strokes or other conditions because heat stroke can mimic their symptoms, according to the study. "We know that heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States," Eisenman said. "But the real number of heat-related deaths is probably much higher than what's reported, because so many of these deaths are misdiagnosed." Extreme heat is a particular threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the very young and the homeless. Eisenman urged these populations to take precautions during hot weather, such as staying in air-conditioned areas, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

For more information on heat-related illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.