April 26, 2024 | Nidhi Singh, Ashtyn Tracy Area, Susanne Breitner, Siqi Zhang, Stefan Agewall, Tamara Schikowski, Alexandra Schneider
The article "Heat and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Epidemiological Perspective" by Nidhi Singh et al. provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological evidence linking extreme heat to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. While there is substantial epidemiological evidence for heat-related increases in all-cause mortality, the association with specific cause deaths, such as CVD, is less clear and often inconsistent. The review highlights that vulnerable subgroups, including older adults, people with pre-existing conditions, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, are at higher risk of heat-attributable CVD mortality. The risk varies by region, with higher rates observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). The temporal trends in heat-related CVD deaths show a linear increase from 1990 to 2019, emphasizing the need for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. The article also discusses the interactive effects of heat with other environmental factors, such as humidity and air pollution, and the potential biological pathways through which heat increases CVD mortality. Despite the heterogeneity in evidence, the review underscores the importance of conducting more studies in LMICs and vulnerable groups to better understand the true extent of heat's impact on CVD mortality. The findings aim to inform health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions and policies to reduce the health risks associated with extreme heat.The article "Heat and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Epidemiological Perspective" by Nidhi Singh et al. provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological evidence linking extreme heat to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. While there is substantial epidemiological evidence for heat-related increases in all-cause mortality, the association with specific cause deaths, such as CVD, is less clear and often inconsistent. The review highlights that vulnerable subgroups, including older adults, people with pre-existing conditions, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, are at higher risk of heat-attributable CVD mortality. The risk varies by region, with higher rates observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). The temporal trends in heat-related CVD deaths show a linear increase from 1990 to 2019, emphasizing the need for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. The article also discusses the interactive effects of heat with other environmental factors, such as humidity and air pollution, and the potential biological pathways through which heat increases CVD mortality. Despite the heterogeneity in evidence, the review underscores the importance of conducting more studies in LMICs and vulnerable groups to better understand the true extent of heat's impact on CVD mortality. The findings aim to inform health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions and policies to reduce the health risks associated with extreme heat.