American Heart Association Warns Extreme Temperatures Raise Heart Risks as 2024 Became Hottest Year Since 1880
Updated
Updated · nyp.org · Jun 9
American Heart Association Warns Extreme Temperatures Raise Heart Risks as 2024 Became Hottest Year Since 1880
3 articles · Updated · nyp.org · Jun 9
Summary
Extreme heat and cold can trigger heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and sudden cardiac death, the American Heart Association said in a new Circulation scientific statement.
Heat is becoming the bigger threat because heatwaves are growing more frequent, intense and longer-lasting; 2024 was the hottest year since NOAA record-keeping began in 1880.
Older adults, pregnant people, infants, outdoor workers and low-income residents face elevated risk, while diuretics and other heart drugs can worsen dehydration and strain the heart during hot weather.
The statement calls for research on dangerous temperature thresholds and medication adjustments, while urging practical measures such as affordable power, cooling centers, telehealth and denser urban tree canopies.
It also argues that cutting greenhouse gas emissions is essential over the long term, noting the U.S. healthcare system itself produces about 8.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions.
With heat-related deaths rising, are personal precautions enough or are our cities fundamentally unprepared?
Can our carbon-intensive hospitals heal climate-related illness without fueling the fire that causes it?
If urban trees can also trap heat, what is the real secret to cooling our sweltering cities?
2024 Global Heat Records: Climate Change, Heart Health Risks, and the Path Forward
Overview
In 2024, the world faced record-breaking heat, with global average temperatures reaching about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels and temporarily surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold. This continues a trend of exceeding the 1.5°C limit over the past three years, confirming that climate warming is accelerating. Scientists warn that temperatures are likely to keep rising, with predictions showing even hotter years between 2026 and 2030. These extreme temperatures not only highlight the urgent need for climate action but also pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, making adaptation and preventive measures more important than ever.