The World Health Organization and expert studies have noted that during heatwaves, most deaths are not caused directly by heatstroke or other immediate effects of heat. Instead, extreme temperatures can act as a trigger that worsens existing chronic health conditions.

BRATISLAVA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people in Slovakia died as a direct result of extreme heat this year, nearly 10 times the annual average recorded over the 2016-2025 period, according to preliminary data released by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic on Tuesday.

The figure is the highest recorded in the past decade. In previous years, the number of deaths directly attributed to excessive heat ranged from zero to three annually, the office said.

Despite the increase in direct heat-related deaths, Slovakia did not record an overall rise in mortality during the summer months, according to the preliminary statistics. The office cautioned that the health impact of extreme heat may not be fully reflected in statistics on direct causes of death.

"High temperatures can also contribute to death indirectly, for example, by exacerbating chronic or other illnesses, which may not be reflected in statistics on direct causes of death," noted the office.

The World Health Organization and expert studies have noted that during heatwaves, most deaths are not caused directly by heatstroke or other immediate effects of heat. Instead, extreme temperatures can act as a trigger that worsens existing chronic health conditions.

Therefore, monitoring overall mortality and so-called excess mortality is important for assessing the broader health impact of heatwaves, the statistics office said.