Extreme Heat Threatens to Spike Heart Deaths in the US: New Study Reveals
A recent study published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal, Circulation, has shed light on the potential dangers of climate change’s extreme heat on cardiovascular health in the United States. The study, funded by the AHA and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, reveals that seniors and non-Hispanic Black citizens are at a higher risk of heat-related cardiovascular deaths.
According to the research, high temperatures of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit have contributed to an additional 1,651 heart disease deaths per year from 2008 to 2019. The study also projects that by mid-century, there could be up to 4,320 deaths annually if significant efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, if no actions are taken to mitigate emissions, the death toll could potentially spike to around 5,491 per year.
The study highlights the urgent need for nationwide emission regulation to curb the rising number of heat-induced fatalities. It also emphasizes how extreme heat exacerbates existing public health inequalities. The projections indicate that individuals aged 65 or older may experience a nearly 3.5-fold increase in heat-related cardiovascular deaths compared to younger individuals in the US. Furthermore, black communities are facing heat-associated deaths at a rate 4.6 times higher than their white counterparts.
Dr. Sameed Khatana, the chief author of the study, suggests that these estimates might underestimate the full extent of the problem as they only consider heart-disease-related deaths specifically attributed to severe heat. The analysis does not include hospitalizations from heart failure, strokes, and nonfatal heart attacks triggered by high-temperature days. Hence, the actual impact on public health could be significantly greater.
Given that heart disease is already the leading cause of fatality in the US, the increasing number of hot days demands immediate attention to mitigate the risks. Dr. Lawrence Fine, senior advisor at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the importance not only of addressing the causes of rising temperatures and heart disease but also of ensuring that vulnerable groups have plans in place to cope with severe conditions.
The study also sheds light on the ways in which extreme heat harms the heart. When exposed to excess heat, the body temperature increases, causing blood vessels to expand for cooling purposes. However, this leads to decreased blood pressure and places additional strain on the heart, which needs to beat faster to maintain blood circulation. The response of the human body to overheating can result in perspiration and fluid and salt loss. When low blood pressure and perspiration coexist, it can have dangerous consequences such as rashes on the skin, swollen feet, headaches, and nausea. In extreme cases, low blood pressure may even lead to heart attacks. Warm evenings are particularly risky as they hinder the body’s ability to cool down effectively.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on public health. As extreme heat continues to pose a threat, it is essential to implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations. By taking action now, we can strive to prevent a potential surge in heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the future.
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