Extreme Heat: A Growing Threat to Public Health

Extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially for people with pre-existing heart conditions. This is because heat puts stress on the cardiovascular system. The heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, and blood vessels can become constricted. This can lead to blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Here are some of the ways that extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes:

* **Increased heart rate and blood pressure:** When the body is hot, it tries to cool down by increasing blood flow to the skin. This causes the heart rate to increase and blood pressure to rise. This can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.

* **Dehydration:** Dehydration can thicken the blood and make it more likely to clot. It can also reduce blood volume, which can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.

* **Vasodilation:** Heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, or widen. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure, which can reduce blood flow to the heart and brain.

* **Sweat:** Sweat contains electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium. When these electrolytes are lost through sweat, it can disrupt the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm. This can lead to arrhythmias, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

People who are at increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in extreme heat include:

* Older adults

* People with pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias

* People with high blood pressure

* People with diabetes

* People with obesity

* People who are physically active during hot weather

There are a number of things you can do to stay safe and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke during extreme heat:

* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

* Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

* Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

* Seek shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

* Take cool baths or showers.

* Monitor your health for signs of heat illness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Extreme heat is becoming increasingly common and severe due to climate change. This is a serious public health threat, especially for people with heart and stroke conditions.

A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that the risk of death from heart attack increases by 18% during two-day heat waves and by 74% during four-day heat waves. The risk of death from stroke also increases during extreme heat, especially in older adults.

Another study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that the number of heat-related deaths is projected to increase by 162% by the end of the century if we do not take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What Can We Do?

There are a number of things that individuals and governments can do to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat. These include:

Individuals:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

Seek shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

Take cool baths or showers.

Monitor your health for signs of heat illness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Governments:

Invest in public health infrastructure, such as cooling centers and early warning systems for extreme heat events.

Develop and implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change.

By taking these steps, we can help protect people from the dangers of extreme heat and build a more resilient society.

Conclusion

Extreme heat is a serious public health threat, especially for people with heart and stroke conditions. There are a number of things that individuals and governments can do to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat. By taking these steps, we can help build a more resilient society.