Cardiovascular Health Impacted by Climate Change

Summary:

A recent study conducted by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has found that climate change is significantly impacting cardiovascular health. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, reviewed 492 observational studies and identified a strong link between climate change-related environmental stressors—such as extreme temperatures, hurricanes, and wildfires—and an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and incidence.
Key findings include:

• Extreme Temperatures: Associated with increased CVD events and mortality, with risks varying based on temperature severity and exposure duration.
• Extreme Weather Events: Hurricanes, floods, and other severe weather events are linked to prolonged cardiovascular risks lasting months or years.
• Vulnerable Populations: Older adults, racially and ethnically minoritized groups, and lower wealth communities are disproportionately affected.
• Geographic Gaps: Most studies focus on high-income countries, with significant knowledge gaps in lower-income nations, particularly in Africa.
  The study underscores the need for clinicians to consider climate-related cardiovascular risks in patient evaluations and for health systems to bolster their infrastructure against climate impacts. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these risks, especially for the most vulnerable populations.