Hot and cold both kill: Extreme temperatures linked to cardiovascular deaths
Study FindsDec 12, 2022
The Facts
According to a 40-year-long study published in the American Heart Association's (AHA) journal Circulation, one in 100 heart disease deaths — including ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia — is linked to days with extremely hot or cold temperatures.
Conducted between 1979 and 2019 and spanning 567 cities in 27 countries, the study compared cardiovascular deaths on the hottest and coldest 2.5% of days in each city to those on days with optimal temperatures. Extremely hot days accounted for an additional 2.2 deaths per 1K while extremely cold days added 9.1 deaths.
The Spin
Narrative A
As extreme temperatures are likely to continuously increase as climate change strengthens its grip on the world, studies like this are important as we seek to mitigate the effects of such volatile weather patterns. Since this is a global issue, medical professionals around the world need to account for these environmental factors when dealing with their patients. Climate change and public health are deeply linked.
Narrative B
While this study may prompt discussions around climate change, more research is needed. One cannot simply lay heart disease deaths at the feet of heat waves and cold snaps when so many other factors in the developed world — such as lifestyle choices like diet which lead to obesity and diabetes — also play a significant role. The climate isn't the common denominator of everything.