Climate changes and potential risks arise due to that is not something that’s going to happen after years, we are currently experiencing it. Simply, it is affecting everything like the ecosystem, economics, and notably human health. While most discussions revolve around environmental impacts, an often-overlooked consequence of climate change is its effect on cardiovascular health. This blog will remain a comprehensive guide for you to explore how climate changes are influencing heart health and what can be done to reduce its effects.
Further, let’s directly get into the reasons that impact our heart health.
Overheat and heart health:
The primary way in which climate change directly affects heart health include rising global temperatures. These days heatwaves become more frequent and intense, placing a significant burden on the heart, so whenever facing any potential issues consider reaching out to the cardiac thoracic specialist in Coimbatore to get the desired outcomes.
How heart affects the heart?
Heat may affect the heart in different ways like:
Increased heart rate: When the external temperature is too hot, eventually our body needs to work harder to reduce the temperature, which results in an elevated heart rate and increases the strain on the cardiovascular system.
Dehydration and blood thickening: Excessive sweating may lead to dehydration, reducing blood volume and making your heart pump harder. This will result in blood clots, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Higher risk of high blood pressure: Exposing yourself to a high temperature for an extended period will surge the blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Who should stay cautious?
Elder citizens: Typically their bodies struggle to regulate temperature effectively.
Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions: Individuals with hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or a history of stroke.
Outdoor workers and athletes: Extended exposure to extreme heat may result in heat exhaustion and cardiac stress.
To avoid this condition, individuals can hydrate themselves, limit their exposure to excessive heat, and monitor their health during high temperatures.
Air pollution and cardiovascular disease:
Most importantly climate change will disturb the air quality, which raises the pollution level and causes a major threat to heart health. Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and damage the blood vessels.
How does air pollution disturb the heart?
Inflammation and artery damage: Pollutants may cause persistent inflammation, resulting in plaque buildup in the arteries.
Reduced oxygen supply: High exposure to pollution lowers oxygen levels in the blood, and makes the heart work harder.
Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes: Even few studies have suggested that air pollution can directly affect cardiovascular events, notably in high-risk individuals.
Who should stay cautious?
Individuals in urban areas: High levels of traffic and industrial pollution increase the risks.
Individuals with a history of heart conditions: Patients with coronary artery disease or hypertension are more vulnerable.
Kids and elderly people: Their bodies are more sensitive to pollutants.
Individuals can try different approaches like wearing masks, using air purifiers, and advocating for cleaner energy sources can assist in improving air quality and heart health.
Extreme weather events and stress-induced heart disease:
Nowadays, climate change not only poses physical effects but also takes a toll on emotional health and causes cardiovascular risk. Simply, due to climate changes natural disasters may occur like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, which may affect you emotionally and result in increased risk of cardiovascular risks.
How do natural disasters affect heart health?
Sudden stress and cardiac events: Overstress and anxiety during disasters may trigger heart attacks and strokes.
Smoke exposure from wildfires: Inhaling particles from wildfires can badly affect your heart health.
Disruptions in healthcare access: Individuals with persistent heart conditions may lose access to essential medications and healthcare facilities during disasters.
Who should stay aware?
People with heart disease: More stress and exposure to pollutants will impair your heart health.
First responders and rescue workers: High-stress environments and exposure to smoke will put them at higher risk.
Individuals living in those disaster areas: Restricted access to healthcare post-disaster can result in delayed treatment.
Emergency preparedness, mental health support, and disaster-response strategies are vital in reducing heart-related risks.
Food insecurity and poor nutrition:
Unfortunately change in climate will disturb food production, resulting in increased food scarcity and poor nutrition. An unhealthy diet can result in obesity, hypertension, and heart disease.
How does poor nutrition affect heart health?
Lack of fresh produce: Limited access to fruits and vegetables automatically surges the reliance on processed foods high in salt and unhealthy fats.
Malnutrition and high blood pressure: Lack of nutrition can weaken the heart and increase blood pressure.
Economic stress and unhealthy dietary choices: Increasing food prices make healthy eating unaffordable for many.
Who should stay cautious?
Low-income populations: Restricted access to nutritious food surges the risk of heart disease.
Kids and senior citizens: These people are more prone to nutritional deficiencies.
Rural communities: At times changes in climate may result in crop failures which impacts food availability.
Promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food accessibility, and encouraging heart-healthy diets can assist in combating these effects.
What one can do to stay away from this condition?
Simply, change in climate may impose serious threats to cardiovascular health, in such cases, individuals can take some steps to mitigate its effects:
Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated remains crucial, especially in extreme heat events.
Limited exposure to air pollution: Use air purifiers, wear masks, and advocate for cleaner energy.
Manage stress: Follow stress-reduction methods such as meditation, which greatly supports heart health.
Follow a heart-healthy diet: Consume more fresh products than processed food intake, in case it’s not resolving even after making changes to your diet consider getting the cardiovascular treatment in Coimbatore to protect your heart health.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that we cannot ignore climate change just like an environmental issue, it is a pressing health crisis. Notably, its impact on cardiovascular health is becoming increasingly evident, from heat waves and air pollution to stress and poor nutrition. Just by staying informed and taking action, we can protect both our hearts and the planet. Both your heart and earth deserve care, so let’s work together to build a healthier world.
