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. 2021 Jan;18(1):1-2.
doi: 10.1038/s41569-020-00473-5.

Cardiovascular risks of climate change

Annette Peters  1   2   3   4 , Alexandra Schneider  5
Affiliations

Cardiovascular risks of climate change

Annette Peters et al. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Extreme heat events are now more frequent in many parts of the world as a result of climate change. The combined effects of heat, air pollution, individual age, and socioeconomic and health status are responsible for avoidable acute events of cardiovascular disease and need to be considered in order to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases effectively.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Factors contributing to the cardiovascular risks of climate change.
Global warming is leading to more frequent extreme heat events. The health effects of the exposure to heat are further increased by air pollution. Older individuals, individuals with low socioeconomic status and those with underlying conditions associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, are the most vulnerable to heat-related acute cardiovascular disease events, such as myocardial infarction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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