A sobering new study underscores the dire consequences of climate change as extreme heat is projected to lead to a significant rise in cardiovascular-related deaths in the United States. The research, supported by the National Institutes of Health and published in the journal Circulation, indicates that the number of heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the contiguous US is set to surge, nearly tripling by mid-century. The study predicts a jump from an annual average of 1,651 recorded in recent years to 4,320 between 2036 and 2065.
Exposure to high temperatures places immense stress on the cardiovascular system, compelling the heart to work harder. This increased strain significantly heightens the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening events, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
The impact of extreme heat is not uniform across the population, with older and Black adults expected to be disproportionately affected. Chronic illnesses and socio-economic challenges, such as a lack of access to air conditioning, contribute to this disparity, making these groups particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by rising temperatures.
Dr. Sameed Khatana, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the critical implications of these findings, saying, "The health burdens from extreme heat will continue to grow within the next several decades. Due to the unequal impact of extreme heat on different populations, this is also a matter of health equity and could exacerbate health disparities that already exist."
The study utilized county-level data from the contiguous 48 states in the US for the summer months between 2008 and 2019 to establish a baseline. Researchers examined the link between extreme heat (defined as days with a heat index of 90°F or higher) and cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, humidity levels, which influence body temperatures, were considered, along with projected changes in the population.
By modeling the effects of heat based on a moderate climate emissions projection, the research team estimated the potential impact on mortality. If emissions rise sharply, the death toll could climb even higher, potentially affecting 5,491 individuals.
To mitigate the looming health crisis, Khatana and his co-authors call for critical infrastructure upgrades to help communities adapt to an increasingly warmer future. This study is part of a growing body of evidence that highlights the health risks posed by extreme heat and underscores the need for immediate action to address climate change and protect vulnerable populations. Last summer, record-breaking temperatures in Europe resulted in over 60,000 premature deaths, according to another study published in July.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, these findings emphasize the urgency of addressing the health and environmental impacts associated with extreme heat and the need for equitable strategies to protect all communities from its effects.
