New Study Suggests Increased Heat and Air Pollution Double Risk of Heart Attack Deaths
A recently published study in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association, has revealed alarming findings about the impact of extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution on heart attack deaths. The study, which analyzed 202,678 heart attack deaths in China’s Jiangsu province from 2015 to 2020, suggests that a combination of increased heat and air pollution may double the risk of deaths caused by heart attacks.
Extreme temperature events are becoming increasingly frequent, longer, and more intense. As a result, concerns about their adverse health effects have been growing. Researchers have now found that fine particulate matter in the air may interact synergistically with extreme temperatures to negatively affect cardiovascular health. The study’s findings indicate that exposure to both extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution can trigger a significantly higher risk of death from heart attacks.
According to the study, up to 2.8% of heart attack deaths could be attributed to the combination of high levels of fine particulate pollution and increasing temperatures. Notably, the mean age of individuals who died from a heart attack in Jiangsu was 77.6 years, with over half being over the age of 80. Additionally, heart attack deaths were more common in women than in men.
The research also revealed that during two-day heat waves with temperatures ranging from 82.6 to 97.9 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of a fatal heart attack increased by 18% compared to control days.
To prevent negative health effects from extreme temperatures, experts recommend following weather forecasts, staying indoors, using fans and air conditioners, dressing appropriately, staying properly hydrated, and installing window blinds. Furthermore, when providing extreme temperature warnings to the public, fine particulate pollution should be taken into consideration.
This study’s findings are particularly crucial for women and older adults. They emphasize the importance of reducing exposure to extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution to prevent premature deaths from heart attacks. By raising awareness and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks, we can work towards safeguarding our health and well-being.
