Extreme Heat Could Become Leading Cause of Cardiovascular Deaths in the US, Study Shows
A recent study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has shed light on the potential impact of climate change on cardiovascular health in the United States. The study, published in the AHA journal Circulation, warns that extreme heat resulting from climate change could become a leading cause of cardiovascular deaths in the country.
According to the study, high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit contributed to an additional 1,651 heart disease deaths annually from 2008 to 2019. If greenhouse gas emissions are effectively reduced, the study predicts that the number of heat-related heart disease deaths may reach 4,320 per year by mid-century. However, if no actions are taken to curb emissions, the death toll could rise to approximately 5,491 each year.
The study also highlights the impact of extreme heat on public health inequalities. It projects that individuals aged 65 and older will experience nearly 3.5 times more heat-related cardiovascular fatalities compared to younger individuals. Additionally, black communities are expected to face heat-associated deaths at a rate 4.6 times higher than their white counterparts. This disparity is attributed to factors such as limited access to air conditioning, less tree cover, and the urban heat island effect in built-up areas.
Dr. Sameed Khatana, the chief author of the study, suggests that the estimates may actually underestimate the full extent of the problem. The analysis only considered heart disease deaths directly caused by severe heat, excluding hospitalizations from heart failure, strokes, and nonfatal heart attacks triggered by high-temperature days.
While heart disease is already the leading cause of death in the US, extreme heat currently accounts for only about 1 in every 500 cardiovascular fatalities nationwide. Nevertheless, the increasing frequency of hot days calls for greater efforts to mitigate the risks. Dr. Lawrence Fine, a senior advisor at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, stresses the importance of addressing both the causes of rising temperatures and ensuring that vulnerable groups are adequately prepared to cope with severe conditions.
In terms of the impact of extreme heat on the heart, excess heat exposure leads to the expansion of blood vessels in an effort to cool down. However, this results in lowered blood pressure, placing an additional burden on the heart as it needs to beat faster to maintain proper blood circulation. The body’s response to overheating includes sweating, which can lead to the loss of essential fluids and salt. If low blood pressure and perspiration coexist, it can have dangerous implications such as rashes, swollen feet, headaches, and nausea. In extreme cases, low blood pressure may even trigger heart attacks.
This study serves as an important reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on public health. It underscores the importance of implementing nationwide emission regulations to combat the rising number of heat-induced cardiovascular deaths in the US. By taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
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