Rising Heat In Asia

The Toll it takes on Your Organs

As heatwaves continue to get stronger across Asia, we take a look at how this excessive heat impacts the different organs in the human body.

The Liver

When the core [body] temperature goes above 40°C, it causes hepatocyte [damage], meaning liver cells damage and necrosis. There could also be dehydration. Dehydration would lead to reduced blood flow. That will cause an ischemia-reperfusion injury because of the sluggish flow or reduced flow.

Dr Chetan Kalal, Associate Director, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital

Dr Kalal said that the liver is among the first organs to fail in these extreme heat conditions.

A research paper published in January 2026 also highlighted that the liver is one of the earliest organs to be damaged in case of a heat-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The paper said that the liver is particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Acute liver injury (ALI) and acute liver failure (ALF) are serious complications and are direct causes of patient death.