Climate Change Could Triple Heat-Related Heart Deaths in the US, Study Finds – CNN

Extreme heat can have a devastating impact on the heart, and a recent report from CNN highlights just how deadly the effects of climate change could become in the United States over the next few decades. The report reveals that black adults, seniors, and individuals living in urban areas are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with extreme heat.

Between 2008 and 2019, the heat index in the US reached at least 90 degrees on an average of 54 days each summer. These extreme heat days were linked to nearly 1,700 excess cardiovascular deaths annually, according to a study published in the journal Circulation.

If global fossil-fuel development continues to expand and minimal efforts are made to reduce planet-warming pollution, the number of extreme heat days could increase to 80 per summer. This scenario could result in more than triple the number of heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the US, reaching about 5,500 excess deaths per year.

Even with more plausible climate change mitigation measures in place, the study projects a jump to 71 days of extreme heat per year and a 2.6 times increase in heart-related mortality by the middle of the century, with over 4,300 excess cardiovascular deaths related to heat.

Heart disease is already the leading cause of death in the US, and extreme heat contributes to a small share of total cardiovascular deaths. However, as hot days become more common, the importance of risk mitigation grows. Dr. Lawrence Fine, a senior adviser at the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the need for addressing the root causes of increased temperatures and heart disease, as well as having specific plans for vulnerable individuals in hot environments.

The study’s findings are based on projections about population growth, migration, and greenhouse gas emissions, capturing data for the years 2036 through 2065. The analysis highlights the potential impact of climate change on heat-related mortality in the US.

Recent examples, such as the alarming number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, Arizona, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme heat. The rise in heat-related fatalities in the US in recent years underscores the urgent need for action to address the health risks associated with rising temperatures.

The heart is particularly susceptible to the effects of heat, as the body’s ability to regulate temperature is critical for overall health. Dr. Sameed Khatana, an assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine, explains how the heart works harder in response to increased temperatures, which can be deadly for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Black adults, seniors, and individuals living in metropolitan areas are projected to be disproportionately affected by heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the coming decades. Demographic shifts in the US, such as an aging population and urban growth, could exacerbate vulnerabilities to extreme heat.

In conclusion, the health impacts of climate change, specifically extreme heat, are not only public health issues but also health equity issues. Vulnerable populations, who may lack access to cooling environments or have pre-existing health conditions, require targeted solutions to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat. Without efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change, existing health inequities may continue to widen, leading to more severe consequences for those most at risk.