Extreme Weather Events Increase Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes

New research suggests that unpredictable weather changes, such as heat waves and cold snaps, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, presented last week at the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) congress, analyzed health data from over 8 million residents in eastern Poland between 2011 and 2020. The findings revealed that more than 573,000 major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, occurred during this period. Dr. Łukasz Kuzma from the Medical University of Białystok, who led the study, noted that while climate change-induced extreme weather is a serious issue, research specifically on its effects in temperate climate regions remains insufficient.

Heat waves and cold snaps impacted the body in different ways. On days with heat waves, the incidence of major cardiovascular events surged by 7.5%, and cardiovascular mortality increased by 9.5%. In contrast, exposure to cold snaps led to a rise in the risk of major cardiovascular events ranging from 4% to 5.9% over several days following exposure.

Air pollution further amplified the risk of cardiovascular diseases caused by extreme temperatures. Over the decade, approximately 13% of all cardiovascular deaths were attributed to air pollution, equivalent to over 71,000 years of lost life. Dr. Anna Kurash from the same research team stated, "Air pollution is still underestimated, despite being recognized as a major cardiovascular risk factor."

Contrary to conventional medical understanding, a high risk of cardiovascular disease was also observed in groups previously classified as low-risk. Women had a 5% higher risk of cardiovascular events than men, and individuals under 65 years old showed a 9% higher risk compared to those over 65. Dr. Kurash commented, "These results question the existing paradigm of risk factors regarding which groups are most vulnerable."

Dr. Kuzma announced plans for future research to include the impact of light and noise pollution, and to develop methods for integrating environmental factors into cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms.