How Extreme Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Extreme heat can be really tough on your heart, and a recent report shows that climate change could make it even worse in the coming years. This is especially concerning for black adults, seniors, and people living in cities.

The Impact of Extreme Heat

Between 2008 and 2019, the heat index (which combines temperature and humidity) reached at least 90 degrees for an average of 54 days each summer in the US. During these extremely hot days, there were nearly 1,700 extra deaths from heart problems every year, according to a study published in the journal Circulation.

The Future Looks Hotter

If we continue to use fossil fuels and don't make enough efforts to reduce pollution, the number of days with extreme heat could increase to 80 days per summer. This could lead to over 5,500 extra deaths from heart issues each year. Even if we take some steps to fight climate change, there could still be 71 days of extreme heat per year and a 2.6 times increase in heart-related deaths by the middle of the century.

The Importance of Risk Mitigation

Right now, extreme heat only causes a small percentage of cardiovascular deaths in the US. However, as hot days become more common, it's crucial to take steps to protect ourselves. Dr. Lawrence Fine, a senior adviser at the National Institutes of Health, explains that heat-related deaths are more likely to happen to people who are already at risk due to their health conditions. This puts a strain on emergency rooms and the healthcare system as a whole.

What Can We Do?

It's important to address the root causes of rising temperatures and heart disease. However, it's also crucial for individuals to know if they are vulnerable and have a plan for dealing with extreme heat. If you find yourself in a very hot environment, make sure to take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Study Methodology

This study looked at population growth and migration in the US, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers used data from the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to make projections for the years 2036 to 2065. The analysis focused on the 48 states in the contiguous US.

The Dangers of Extreme Heat: A Deadly Summer

Record-Breaking Heat

This summer, we witnessed just how dangerous extreme heat can be. In Maricopa County, Arizona, officials reported a shocking number of heat-related deaths. So far this year, 469 people have died from heat-associated illness, and there are still more than 150 deaths under investigation. This makes 2023 the deadliest year for heat deaths since they started keeping track in 2006.

Many of these deaths occurred during the scorching temperatures in the Southwest. In Phoenix, the temperature reached record-breaking levels, with 31 consecutive days at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit from June to July.

Rising Heat-Related Fatalities

Heat-related deaths have been increasing dramatically in the United States in recent years. In 2022 alone, over 1,700 deaths were due to heat-related causes. This number has more than doubled in the past five years. However, experts believe that this data is an underestimate because not all cases of extreme heat exposure are well-documented.

The Vulnerability of the Heart

The heart is particularly susceptible to the effects of heat. Our bodies can only function within a narrow temperature range, and the heart plays a crucial role in regulating our system. Dr. Sameed Khatana, an assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine, explains that when our body temperature rises, the heart starts working harder to transport heat away from vital organs. However, for people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, their hearts may not be able to keep up with the increased demands caused by high temperatures. This can have deadly consequences.

Longer exposures to heat can also lead to more complex changes in the body, such as increased inflammation and clotting. These changes raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Vulnerable Populations

Black adults in the United States are particularly vulnerable to the heart-related harms of extreme heat. According to a study, heat-related cardiovascular deaths could increase six-fold among Black adults in the next few decades, compared to a projected 2.4 times increase among White adults in the worst-case scenario.

Seniors aged 65 and older and adults living in metropolitan areas are also projected to be disproportionately affected. As the US population ages and cities grow, these vulnerabilities may worsen.

Health Equity Issues

Dr. Khatana emphasizes that the health impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, are also health equity issues. People who are vulnerable to heat exposure are likely vulnerable in other aspects of their lives as well. They may live in areas with less tree cover or lack access to air conditioning. Additionally, Black individuals are more likely to have conditions that put their heart health at risk, such as hypertension and diabetes.

Dr. Khatana believes that solutions need to be targeted at the most vulnerable populations. Without efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, these existing inequities may continue to widen.