Publication

Abstract :

Background: Climate change has led to a measurable increase in the frequency and severity of temperature extremes worldwide. These environmental stressors, particularly heat waves and cold spells, pose significant and under recognized threats to cardiovascular health. 

Objective: This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between temperature extremes and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, elucidate underlying physiological mechanisms, and highlight implications for clinical practice and public health adaptation. 

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using literature published between 2000 and 2022. Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and WHO databases using keywords including “cardiovascular disease,” “heat wave,” “cold spell,” and “climate change and health.” A total of 58 studies were included, focusing on adult human populations and cardiovascular outcomes associated with temperature extremes. 

Results: Evidence indicates that both heat and cold exposure increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Heat waves are associated with dehydration, hypotension, arrhythmias, and increased heart failure admissions. Cold spells elevate the risk of vasoconstriction-induced hypertension, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, and socio-economically disadvantaged populations face disproportionate risks, exacerbated by limited access to climate adaptation resources. 

Conclusion: Temperature extremes have a clear and significant impact on cardiovascular health and are expected to pose an increasing burden as global warming accelerates. Integrating climate risk into cardiovascular prevention, public health planning, and clinical practice is essential to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. Policymakers and clinicians must adopt region-specific, climate-resilient strategies to protect at-risk populations.