The combination of extreme heat and air pollution has been found to significantly increase the risk of a fatal heart attack, particularly among older individuals, according to a recent study. The research, published in Circulation, analyzed over 202,000 heart attack deaths in China between 2015 and 2020. It discovered that days with extreme temperatures or high levels of fine particle air pollution were strongly linked to the risk of a fatal heart attack. The study’s senior author, Yuewei Liu, emphasized the growing concern over the health effects of increasingly frequent, longer, and intense extreme temperature events. During a two-day heat wave, the likelihood of a fatal heart attack increased by 18% with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 37°C. However, in a four-day heat wave, with temperatures between 35°C and 43°C, the risk surged to 74%. The study also found that the risk of a fatal heart attack doubled during four-day heat waves when levels of fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5) exceeded 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Fine particulates, which are smaller than 2.5 microns and can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, are known to have serious health effects. Dr. Justin Ezekowitz, a cardiologist and professor at the University of Alberta, explained that the unique aspect of this study is its examination of the combined effects of weather and pollution on heart health. He pointed out that extreme weather temperatures have been previously associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Additionally, when PM 2.5 particles are present, such as those from wildfires, they both have an effect on blood vessels and the heart, possibly amplifying each other’s impact. The researchers stated that more research is needed to understand the exact interaction between extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution in triggering a greater risk of heart attack deaths. With the increasing occurrence of record-breaking heat waves combined with pollution, preventative measures are crucial for staying safe. These include scheduling outdoor activities during cooler hours, avoiding congested or polluted areas, staying well hydrated, and taking breaks from the heat.
Study finds that a combination of extreme heat and air pollution may heighten the possibility of fatal heart attacks
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