Extreme heat could lead to 233% increase in U.S. excess cardiovascular deaths, study says
A large increase in greenhouse gas emissions would lead to a 233% increase in excess cardiovascular deaths in the U.S., or 5,491 excess deaths annually, according to a new study.
When the human body is exposed to extreme heat, it tries to fight back. To keep us from cooking, our hearts pump faster and harder to distribute the hot blood out to our fingers and toes, away from precious internal organs. We produce more sweat, and when it evaporates, the blood beneath the skin’s surface cools down, helping to lower our body temperature.
Heat stroke occurs when the body can’t cool itself down enough, causing organ damage. But other deadly cardiovascular problems can arise on the road to heat stroke, especially for people already at increased risk for conditions like heart disease. If someone’s blood pressure is too low or if their heart is beating too fast in higher temperatures, a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure could follow.
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