Why do heat waves affect women more than men?

Heat waves affect women more than men, according to two recent studies conducted in the Netherlands and cited by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

.

The second study - crossing data on the incidence of temperatures and mortality in the Netherlands in the last 23 years - has also concluded that the proportion of deaths attributable to excessive heat "is higher in women than in men, and especially in from the age group of 80 years.

The experts conclude that there are

, although they warn of the need for further research to delve into the causes and emphasize the contrast with the average life expectancy, which is higher in women than in men.

Hein Daanen, Professor of Physiology at the University of Amsterdam and co-author of the second study along with six other Dutch and German specialists, is convinced that

of the difference between the sexes in the face of heat waves.

"Generally speaking, older people sweat half as much as young people and women half as much as men," Daanen told

.

"In other words: the ability of older women to perspire and lose body heat is the lowest among population groups."

Another possible cause pointed out by the experts is rooted in the cardiovascular system

: "Blood pressure is higher in women after menopause, and this could potentially explain the higher mortality in episodes of heat."

A third and possible cause this time has its

: in a greater proportion than men, women live alone (a risk factor in heat waves) and perform more domestic tasks.

"Continuing these activities during heat waves and not being physically in the best condition puts women at greater risk than men," warns the latest study.

The report shows how the "gap" in mortality due to high temperatures is widening between the three study groups (under 65 years, between 65 and 80, and over 80).

The research certifies that, however, there are no appreciable differences between the two sexes in the face of cold and low temperatures.

less body mass

Mike Tipton, Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, points out that another possible risk factor is that

(pregnant women also have higher body temperatures).

Tripton also notes that 'women generally have less body mass than men and thus 'absorb heat sooner'.

"The most likely answer is that it is probably a combination of all these factors," concludes Ollie Jay, a professor at the University of Sydney who specializes in the connection between health and heat.

"It's true that women sweat less than men, even when they're young, but we can't pinpoint this as the reason why there are more women in the mortality data during heat waves. More research is needed." .

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