“Study Shows Heat-related Deaths from Heart Disease Events Could Double by Mid-century Due to Climate Change”

Climate change is a pressing issue that is impacting various aspects of our lives, including our health. A new study has found that heat-related deaths from heart disease events like heart attacks and strokes may more than double by the middle of the century as extreme weather becomes more common. This study, led by Sameed Khatana, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, highlights the significant impact that climate change can have on our health.

The heat index, which takes into account increased humidity that can make the temperature feel hotter, has reached at least 90 degrees an average of 54 days each summer between 2008 and 2019. These extreme weather days have been associated with approximately 1,650 excess heart disease deaths each year. In a worst-case scenario, with minimal efforts to combat climate change, there could be 80 days of extreme heat in future summers leading to around 5,500 excess heart disease deaths annually.

Under a more plausible scenario where efforts to curb global warming continue, there would still be a 162 percent increase in cardiovascular disease deaths from extreme heat by the middle of the century. This increase in heat-related deaths will disproportionately affect older Americans and minorities. Elderly individuals will be particularly vulnerable, with the number of heat-related heart disease deaths among those over 65 projected to be 2.9 to 3.5 times higher by the middle of the century.

Black Americans are also expected to be more susceptible to extreme weather days, with the number of heat-related heart disease deaths among this population projected to be 3.8 to 4.6 times higher by mid-century. Both hot and cold ambient temperatures have been linked to heart disease deaths, with factors like dehydration, faster heart rates, and increased metabolic requirements contributing to cardiovascular problems during extreme heat.

To mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat, individuals can take practical actions such as avoiding or reducing time outdoors on hot days, staying well-hydrated, and spending more time in temperature-controlled indoor settings. At-risk individuals living in hotter regions may also consider spending hotter months in more temperate locations. It is crucial to address the health impacts of climate change and take proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations from the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events.