How Climate Change Is Hurting Heart Health in India
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Heart disease has long been the leading cause of death worldwide. But now, climate change is making it even more dangerous — especially in Asia.
New research shows that rising temperatures are adding to the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD), a serious condition where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or reduced.
Let’s explore how heat affects heart health, who is most at risk, and what can be done.
What Is Ischemic Heart Disease?
Ischemic heart disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and even death.
Normally, risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.
But now, extreme heat is emerging as another major threat to heart health.
How High Temperatures Harm the Heart
When temperatures rise too high, the body has to work harder to keep cool.
This causes several dangerous changes:
- The heart beats faster and pumps harder
- Blood thickens, raising the risk of clots
- Dehydration stresses the body’s organs
- Inflammation levels rise
For people already at risk of heart disease, these stresses can trigger heart attacks or worsen existing heart problems.
Key Findings From Asia
According to the study published in JACC: Asia:
- In 2021, high temperatures caused an estimated 88,450 deaths and over 2.1 million years of healthy life lost (measured as DALYs) from IHD across Asia.
- South Asia (including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) had the heaviest burden, while high-income countries like Japan and South Korea were less affected.
- Men and older adults were hit harder than women and younger people.
- The risk of dying from heart disease rose steadily with age, peaking after age 80.
Climate Change Makes It Worse
Asia is warming faster than the global average.
The past 30 years have seen temperatures rising at double the earlier rate.
Every degree increase in temperature leads to more hospitalizations and deaths from heart-related issues.
Plus, more people in Asia are living in hot cities with little access to air conditioning, clean air, or health services — making them more vulnerable.
Urbanization and Pollution Add to the Problem
Rapid urban growth creates "urban heat islands" — cities that are much hotter than surrounding rural areas.
Polluted air makes it even worse, as air pollution and heat together can dramatically raise the risk of death from heart disease.
Cities like Hong Kong and Delhi are already seeing these dangerous effects.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Based on the study’s findings, people at highest risk include:
- Older adults, especially over age 65
- Men, who showed higher mortality rates
- People with existing heart conditions
- Outdoor workers, like farmers and construction workers
- Residents of low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare access and cooling resources are limited
What Can Be Done?
To fight the rising threat of heat-related heart disease, several actions are needed:
- Raise public awareness about the risks of extreme heat.
- Improve urban design: More green spaces, better ventilation, and heat-resilient infrastructure.
- Expand healthcare access for vulnerable groups, especially older adults.
- Strengthen heat response systems: Early warning alerts, public cooling centers, and community health programs.
- Cut air pollution: Cleaner air helps reduce the double burden of pollution and heat.
On a personal level, individuals can help protect themselves by:
- Staying hydrated during hot weather
- Limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours
- Using fans, cool showers, and shade to stay cool
- Monitoring existing heart conditions carefully during heat waves
Final Thoughts
Climate change is not just an environmental issue — it’s a growing public health crisis.
As temperatures continue to rise, heart disease risks will too, especially in Asia’s densely populated and fast-developing regions.
Protecting vulnerable people, adapting cities, and promoting healthier living environments are urgent steps we must take now.
Because when the temperature rises, so does the risk — and our hearts are paying the price.