A review of nearly 500 observational studies found that environmental stressors exacerbated by climate change are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The authors emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate this trend. The studies analyzed the relationship between environmental exposures like extreme temperature, ground-level ozone, wildfire smoke, and extreme weather events with cardiovascular mortality. The evidence was strongest for extreme temperature and ground-level ozone, while limited for wildfire smoke. Exposure to extreme temperature was associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with the risk being higher for longer durations of exposure. Vulnerable populations, including older age and lower-wealth communities, are most at risk. Further research is needed to quantify the impact on cardiovascular health.
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‘Urgent action’ needed to stem heart disease risk related to climate change
