Rising temperatures caused by climate change put at risk the heart health of Americans, particularly the elderly and adults. According to a recent study published in the journal Circulation, the combination of temperature and humidity, known as the heat index, topped 90 degrees on average for 54 days per summer in the United States between 2008 and 2019. This sweltering weather caused an estimated 1,700 extra cardiovascular deaths per year.
Heart disease is already the largest cause of death in the United States, and excessive heat is responsible for around 1 in 500 of these deaths. The analysis paints a dismal picture of the future. If we do not make significant steps towards reducing climate change by limiting fossil fuel production and lowering planet-warming pollutants, the United States may face a significant increase in heat-related heart mortality. The forecast is alarming with a possible increase to about 5,500 additional deaths yearly due to excessive heat, assuming we have 80 days of intense heat each summer.
Even with climate change mitigation measures, there is still a big rise on the horizon. The study predicts a 2.6-fold rise in heat-related cardiac fatalities by mid-century, with over 4,300 extra cardiovascular deaths due to high heat.
This is especially troubling because it mostly affects persons with pre-existing health disorders, making them even more vulnerable. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, with a projected six-fold rise in heat-related cardiovascular fatalities in the coming decades. The impact on urban regions is also excessive, indicating the critical need for policies to address this growing hazard to heart health.
Additionally, experts warn that high temperatures might increase the risk of not only heart attacks but also strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. As temperatures rise, blood flow to the skin increases, resulting in a faster heart rate and higher blood circulation. The greatest dangers emerge when temperatures exceed 70 degrees and humidity levels exceed 70%.
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