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Increase in extreme hot and cold weather is causing more heart disease deaths, study finds
In what they claim is the first structured expert judgment of how weather and climate affect death rates, a group of researchers draws remarkable conclusions about short-term exposure to hot and cold temperatures. Being in extreme hot or cold temperatures, if only for a short time, can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory failure, they say.
Its not just the weather. Tooth loss is a significant risk factor for dying of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Earlier this year, a doctor went viral for revealing an association between a specific earlobe crease colloquially dubbed Franks sign and heart disease. But take heart. There are simple things we can all do to reduce our risk of jeopardizing our heart health. These include, as a first port of call, understanding the risks we face.
Temperature hazards cause heart failure, lung disease, and bone problems
Just this month, The Lancet Planetary Health published the results of an expert survey into the risks posed by weather and climate on peoples health.
The experts surveyed identified heat-related cardiovascular and respiratory mortality as a significant issue the UK is likely to face in the near future, especially given its aging population.
They used the UK as an example, but many of their conclusions apply to other nations, be they developed or developing, and in the northern or southern hemisphere, although the risks will manifest differently for people in different parts of the world.
Currently, up to 1,000 deaths per year are caused by heat-related CVD in the UK, according to the study.
The cardiovascular response to extremely high and low temperatures is well documented, it reads. Changes in vascular constriction thats when your veins narrow to stop your blood from getting too cold when the temperature drops can lead to cardiac problems like heatstroke and hypothermia, for example.
Reduced activity on cold days negatively affects muscle and bone health
When its cold outside, many people find it hard to motivate themselves to leave the house. But getting out and about is one of the best ways to mitigate many of the negative effects of the seasonal shift.
Its good for mood regulation, exposes the corneas to natural sunlight (which is good for being able to get to sleep at night), and limits the risk of declining cardiovascular health. The researchers refer to cold-related musculoskeletal mortality, which is a fancy way of talking about people dying of complications related to disorders like osteoarthritis, scleroderma, scoliosis, and fibromyalgia.
Not sleeping well during cold months also presents a health risk. However, the health burden presented by seasonal sleep disorders is somewhat low compared with those associated with CVD and other problems.
Heatwaves can also be deadly. The researchers highlight the infamous 2003 European heatwave, adding that the heat-related death toll in France was substantial. It could have been lower. A populations vulnerability to extreme temperatures depends on its adaptiveness, and how well it has been prepared to weather the unexpected.
The primary specific causes of mortality from temperature hazards are cardiovascular failure, respiratory disease, or musculoskeletal impediment, the researchers conclude. This latter occurs only due to cold temperatures, but that doesnt negate the importance of preparing populations for extreme heat, too.
