Extreme heat mixed with air pollution may double risk of fatal heart attack

Extreme Temperatures and Air Pollution Increase Risk of Fatal Heart Attacks

A new research study from China suggests that extreme temperatures combined with high levels of air pollution dramatically increase the risk of older adults having a fatal heart attack.

Introduction

The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, highlights the potential doubling of the risk of dying from a heart attack on days with both extremely high temperatures and excessive levels of pollution from fine particulate matter. The study also found that extreme cold may raise fatal heart attack risks.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Goal 13: Climate Action

Research Findings

The study’s senior author, Dr. Yuewei Liu, an associate professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, stated that extreme temperature events are becoming more frequent, longer, and more intense, raising concerns about their adverse health effects.

The research found that fine particulate matter in the air may “interact synergistically” with extreme temperatures to adversely affect cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that reducing exposure to both extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution could be useful in preventing premature deaths from heart attacks, especially among women and older adults.

Fine particulate matter pollution, which comes from burning fuels and includes vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and wildfire smoke, can easily be inhaled deep into the lungs. This can cause irritation to the lungs and blood vessels around the heart, leading to heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.

Methodology

The researchers analyzed data for 202,678 heart attack deaths from 2015 to 2020 in Jiangsu province, a coastal region in eastern China with varying temperatures and fine particulate matter levels. The average age of the deceased individuals was nearly 78 years old.

Fine particulate matter pollution levels were measured on the day of and the day before each death. Particulate matter levels exceeding an average of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter were considered high.

Extreme temperatures were measured using the daily heat index, which reflects the combined impact of heat and humidity. A heat wave was defined as temperatures at or above 82.6 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days. Control days were defined as the same day of the week within the same month as the heart attack death.

Key Findings

Compared to control days:

• The risk of a fatal heart attack was twice as high during four-day heat waves with fine particulate pollution above 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
• The risk was 18% higher during two-day heat waves when temperatures ranged from 82.6 to 97.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The risk was 74% higher during four-day heat waves when heat indexes reached 94.8 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Extreme cold also affected the risk of a fatal heart attack, with a 4% higher risk during two-day cold snaps when temperatures ranged from 33.3 to 40.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and a 12% higher risk during three-day cold snaps when temperatures were 27 to 37.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

During heat waves, cold snaps, and days with high levels of pollution, the risk of heart attack death was generally higher among women than men and among adults aged 80 and older compared to younger adults.

The researchers estimated that up to 2.8% of fatal heart attacks in the study could be attributed to the combination of extreme temperatures and elevated levels of fine particulate pollution.

Recommendations

To prevent negative health effects, Dr. Liu recommended the following:

1. Monitor weather forecasts and stay indoors when temperatures reach extremes.
2. Use fans and air conditioners to cool down.
3. Dress appropriately for the weather.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Install window blinds to reduce indoor temperatures.

Dr. Liu also advised avoiding high levels of pollution by:

• Using an indoor air purifier.
• Wearing a mask outdoors.
• Avoiding busy highways when walking.
• Choosing less strenuous outdoor activities.

Dr. Liu emphasized the importance of considering fine particulate pollution when providing extreme temperature warnings to the public to improve public health.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Number of deaths attributed to air pollution and extreme temperatures.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Indicator: Number of deaths attributed to extreme temperatures and air pollution during heat waves and cold snaps.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Levels of fine particulate matter pollution in cities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article highlights the increased risk of fatal heart attacks due to extreme temperatures and high levels of air pollution. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Specifically, Target 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The indicator for this target can be the number of deaths attributed to air pollution and extreme temperatures.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   The article emphasizes the impact of extreme temperatures and air pollution on cardiovascular health. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Target 13.1 focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, while Target 13.3 aims to improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The indicator for both targets can be the number of deaths attributed to extreme temperatures and air pollution during heat waves and cold snaps.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article mentions fine particulate matter pollution, which is a key aspect of air quality in cities. This relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Target 11.6 specifically focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator for this target can be the levels of fine particulate matter pollution in cities.

Overall, the article highlights the intersection between climate change, air pollution, and health outcomes, emphasizing the need for action to address these issues and achieve the relevant SDGs.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: heart.org

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