“Study Shows Climate Change Linked to Increase in Stroke Deaths – CNN Report”

A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has found that more than half a million people died in 2019 due to strokes linked to high and low temperatures. The study, conducted by researchers from Xiangya Hospital Central South University in China, analyzed data from 204 countries and territories and found that the number of strokes attributable to extreme temperatures has been increasing globally since 1990.

The study revealed that men were more affected by strokes related to extreme temperatures than women, and the impact was seen across all age groups. The researchers noted that the rise in stroke cases cannot be solely attributed to the aging population, but also to the effects of “nonoptimal temperatures.” In 2019, low temperatures were responsible for a higher number of strokes, despite the overall trend of global warming.

As the planet continues to warm, the burden of strokes due to extreme temperatures is expected to increase rapidly in the future. The study highlighted that stroke deaths connected to extreme temperatures are disproportionately concentrated in regions with higher levels of poverty and fragile healthcare systems, such as Africa and Central Asia.

Dr. Mary Rice, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the significance of the study’s findings, stating that the total burden of stroke-related deaths due to temperature is a significant public health issue that requires urgent attention. She also highlighted the link between climate change and the increasing prevalence of immune-mediated diseases, urging for immediate global action to address the climate crisis.

The study did not delve into the specific mechanisms by which extreme temperatures lead to strokes, but previous research has shown that both excessively hot and cold temperatures can impact the body’s ability to regulate itself, increasing the risk of stroke. Dr. Ali Saad, a neurologist affiliated with the Climate and Health Program at the University of Colorado, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of extreme temperatures, particularly heat, in preventing strokes.

Overall, the study underscores the global impact of climate change on public health, with extreme temperatures posing a significant risk factor for strokes. It calls for concerted efforts from global leaders and policymakers to address the growing burden of stroke-related deaths associated with temperature extremes.