Extreme weather linked to spike in heart attacks and strokes, study finds
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- New research from Eastern Poland reveals that extreme weather events, including heat waves and cold snaps, significantly increase the risk of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).
- Heat waves cause an immediate spike in cardiovascular events and deaths on the same day, while cold waves lead to a delayed but sustained increase in risk over the following days.
- Air pollution exacerbates the dangers of extreme temperatures, accounting for about 13% of cardiovascular deaths and disproportionately affecting women and people under 65, groups traditionally considered lower risk.
- Researchers emphasize the need to reconsider cardiovascular risk factors by incorporating environmental influences like temperature extremes and pollution into predictive health models.
- Future studies aim to explore the effects of light and noise pollution on cardiovascular health to improve prevention and risk assessment strategies.
