Extreme Heat Predicted to Become Leading Cause of Cardiovascular Deaths in the US, Study Reveals
A recent study published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal, Circulation, has uncovered the potential for climate change’s extreme heat to become a major contributor to cardiovascular deaths in the United States. The study, financially supported the AHA and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, found that high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit led to an additional 1,651 heart disease deaths per year between 2008 and 2019.
Looking ahead, the study predicts that mid-century, there could be up to 4,320 deaths annually if substantial efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as recommended. However, if no action is taken to curb emissions, the death toll could reach around 5,491 per year. These findings highlight the urgent need for nationwide emission regulation to address the rising number of heat-induced fatalities.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes how extreme heat exacerbates existing public health inequalities. The projections indicate that among individuals aged 65 or older, the number of heat-related cardiovascular fatalities could increase nearly 3.5 times compared to younger individuals in the US. Racial disparities also come into play, with black communities facing a 4.6 times higher rate of heat-associated deaths compared to their white counterparts.
The study notes that Black residents may have less access to air conditioning, lower tree cover, and be more affected the “urban heat island effect” – where built-up areas experience higher temperature increases than surrounding less-developed areas. However, it is important to note that the estimates provided in the study only consider heart-disease-related deaths caused extreme heat, omitting hospitalizations from heart failure, strokes, and nonfatal heart attacks triggered high-temperature days. This suggests that the full extent of this public health problem in the US could be significantly greater.
Heart disease is currently the leading cause of mortality in the US. Although extreme heat is currently only responsible for around 1 in every 500 cardiovascular deaths nationwide, the increasing number of hot days calls for increased attention to mitigating the associated risks. Dr. Lawrence Fine, senior advisor at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, stresses the need to address the causes behind rising temperatures and heart disease, as well as ensuring vulnerable groups have plans in place to cope with severe conditions.
Extreme heat harms the heart causing the body temperature to rise, resulting in expanded blood vessels to aid in cooling down. However, this leads to lowered blood pressure and increased stress on the heart, which must beat faster to maintain blood circulation. Overheating also leads to fluid and salt loss through sweating, which can have various adverse effects such as rashes, swollen feet, headaches, and nausea. Low blood pressure, in extreme cases, may even result in heart attacks. Warm evenings pose a particular risk as they hinder the body’s ability to cool down effectively.
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the growing threat of extreme heat on cardiovascular health in the US. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the underlying causes of heart disease, particularly for vulnerable populations. This research underscores the importance of prioritizing public health and implementing effective measures to combat the detrimental impacts of climate change on our well-being.
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