Extreme Weather Linked to Increased Heart Attacks and Strokes
Recent research has revealed a concerning link between extreme weather and a rise in heart attacks and strokes. This study highlights how heat waves and cold spells are influencing public health, according to findings shared at the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) congress.
The study focused on over 8 million residents of Eastern Poland from 2011 to 2020. During this period, researchers noted more than 573,000 serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Professor Lukasz Kuzma from the Medical University of Bialystok emphasized that climate change is leading to more extreme weather. “Poland is experiencing unusual heat waves alongside persistent cold snaps,” he noted.
The research identified that while high temperatures pose immediate risks—causing a 7.5% increase in major cardiovascular events on heat wave days—cold weather risks are more delayed. After cold waves, the risk of serious health issues rises by 4% to 5.9% in the following days.
Moreover, air pollution compounded the dangers. The findings indicated that about 13% of all cardiovascular deaths over the decade could be attributed to pollution, resulting in over 71,000 years of life lost.
Kuzma remarked, “Our results show that climate change issues extend to Northern Europe, revealing how extreme temperatures and air pollution heighten cardiovascular risks.”
Interestingly, the study revealed that pollution is particularly harmful to groups usually considered at lower risk. Women had a 5% higher risk of cardiovascular events than men, and individuals under 65 faced a 9% higher risk compared to older adults.
Dr. Anna Kurasz, also from the Medical University of Bialystok, stressed the need to take air pollution more seriously as a cardiovascular risk factor.
These findings challenge previous assumptions about risk groups and suggest a pressing need to consider environmental factors in assessing health risks. Moving forward, Kuzma plans to explore the impacts of light and noise pollution as well, aiming to enhance patient risk prediction methods.
The ultimate goal is to create a more accurate cardiovascular risk prediction tool that incorporates environmental factors, paving the way for better preventive health efforts.
