Climate change is no longer just a distant environmental issue—it’s directly affecting human health, and one of the most alarming areas of concern is its impact on heart health. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems are putting immense strain on cardiovascular systems worldwide.
To understand how climate change can affect our heart health, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Farah Adam Mukadam, Family Physician and Author, Bengaluru. She said, “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns, primarily caused by industrialization and automated locomotion." These shifts are not just altering the climate but are also increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. As heat waves intensify and diseases spread, the connection between climate change and heart health is becoming too significant to ignore.
Extreme Heat and Heart Strain
One of the most direct ways climate change affects heart health is through increased exposure to extreme heat. According to studies, heat waves are becoming more common, and they can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system. When temperatures soar, the body attempts to cool itself by dilating blood vessels and increasing sweat production. However, this process forces the heart to work harder to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Dr Mukadam explains, "Intense heat caused by climate change can lead to a condition known as heat strain, where the body struggles to cool itself. When temperatures rise, blood vessels relax and widen to release heat, forcing the heart to pump harder. This increases strain on the cardiovascular system, especially in those who are already heart patients." This makes individuals with pre-existing heart conditions more susceptible to heart attacks, heat stroke, and other cardiovascular issues during heat waves.
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A recent study found that each 1°C increase in temperature was associated with a rise in heart attack rates, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing heart conditions. This is a growing concern as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
Heat Stroke and Heart Risks
Another major issue arising from extreme heat is the increased risk of heat stroke, a severe form of heat illness that occurs when the body is unable to cool down efficiently. Dr Mukadam highlights that "heat stroke can lead to central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, causing confusion, seizures, or even coma. For people with heart conditions or those who have had a previous heart attack, heat stroke is particularly dangerous as their heart is already vulnerable."
In a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that extreme heat events were linked to an increase in cardiovascular hospitalizations and deaths. The combination of excessive heat and dehydration thickens the blood, making it harder for the heart to function properly. This can lead to severe complications, particularly for individuals with already compromised heart function.
Vector-Borne Diseases and Cardiovascular Health
Climate change is also enabling the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. These diseases, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors, are moving into new regions as temperatures rise. Dr Mukadam points out, "Climate change is altering ecosystems, enabling the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, which can affect blood cell counts and immune responses. These diseases, combined with the effects of dehydration, further strain the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals."
For heart patients, these infections can exacerbate existing conditions by placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system. For instance, malaria can cause anaemia, which forces the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body. This extra strain, combined with the dehydration common in these diseases, can increase the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
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Bottomline
While climate change poses a clear and growing risk to heart health, individuals and healthcare systems can take steps to mitigate its impact. Dr Mukadam advises people, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions, to remain vigilant during extreme weather events. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive physical exertion during heat waves, and seeking medical advice early are all crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a significant public health concern. As Dr Mukadam emphasises, "The combined effects of heat, dehydration, and disease make heart health a growing concern in the face of a changing climate." Addressing climate change through both global policy and personal health measures will be essential to safeguarding cardiovascular health in the years to come.