EXTREME heat could increase hospital admissions among chronically ill patients in Malaga by up to 20%, doctors have warned.
Hospitals are already treating unusually high numbers of dehydrated patients as the province endures its fourth heatwave of the summer.
People aged over 85 face the greatest danger, although prolonged heat can affect anyone.
Dr Justo Sánchez Gil, an internal medicine specialist at Antequera Hospital, said doctors were seeing ‘a huge number’ of dehydrated patients.
Several days of intense heat can quickly worsen heart, kidney and respiratory conditions that were previously stable, according to the Andalusian Society of Internal Medicine.
As the body sweats, it loses water and essential salts. This can lower blood pressure and place extra strain on the heart and kidneys.
People with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, heart problems and respiratory illnesses such as COPD face a higher risk.
National figures show the scale of the threat.
Spain’s health ministry estimated that excessive temperatures contributed to 3,832 deaths between May and September 2025.
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Almost 96% involved people aged over 65, while more than 65% were over 85, according to the ministry.
Some medicines, including diuretics and certain blood pressure or diabetes treatments, can also affect how the body responds to heat.
However, patients should never stop taking medication or change their dose without medical advice.
Andalusia’s health service recommends drinking around 200ml of water every two hours, even before feeling thirsty.
People should also avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours and stay in cool or air-conditioned places where possible.
Dizziness, weakness, confusion, breathing problems and reduced urination can signal dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can damage vital organs if treatment is delayed.
As Malaga faces another spell of punishing temperatures, the warning is clear: drink regularly, avoid the fiercest heat and act quickly when the body begins to struggle.
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