Extreme heat and cold are growing cardiovascular risks that can trigger heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and sudden cardiac death, according to a recent scientific statement by experts at Weill Cornell Medicine and other leading institutions. The statement from the American Heart Association, published in Circulation, outlines contributing factors that endanger health and recommendations to mitigate the rising cardiovascular risks posed by extreme temperatures.
Historically, cold weather has caused more cardiovascular deaths because cold days are more frequent. However, the report warns that extreme heat events are increasing in frequency, intensity and duration, which may lead to heat-related deaths outweighing any decline in cold-related mortality. Already, 2024 was the hottest year since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration started record-keeping in 1880.
“As heatwaves increase, we need coordinated action in research, clinical practice and policy to understand how we can keep people safe,” said Dr. Arnab Ghosh, associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell, and an internist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, who led development of the policy section of the report.
