İklim Değişikliği ve Kardiyovasküler Hastalıklar

Introduction: Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates. Temperature changes(Global warming) and air pollution constitute the majority of this effect in terms of cardiovascular diseases. Climate change, like a cogwheel mechanism, makes its effects felt stronger especially in elderly people with low socioeconomic conditions and with high comorbidity.

Extreme Temperature Changes & Air Pollution : Extreme temperature changes; It is one of the effects of global warming and climate change. Heat-related death is mostly caused by cardiovascular disease. Heatwaves increase the average heart rate and cardiac output. It decreases right atrial pressure, vena cava inferior diameter and stroke volume due to hypovolemia. Heat stress also results in increases in the counts of platelets, red blood cells and neutrophils, cholesterol levels and blood viscosity A predicted heatwave should prompt a rapid response to prevent heat-related deaths in vulnerable subgroups such as the elderly

Air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic cardiovascular mortality. Recent observation data have implicated fine particulate matter as one of the most important pollutants. Inhalation of PM 2.5 causes acute pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress.8 The subsequent generation of a systemic inflammatory response could link air pollution exposure with the development of cardiovascular disease. Studies are showing that air pollution can increase cardiac mortality by 6-9% in long-term exposure.

Precautions of Global Warming: Awareness constitutes the first step of the solution. One of the general recommendations for extreme temperature changes is to increase fluid intake.Patients in the high-risk group should be determined. The number of air-conditioned spaces should be increased.

Air pollution can be classified as indoor air pollution and outdoor air pollution. Ventilation should be provided while cooking. Studies show that portable air cleaners consistently reduce PM2.5 by 50% to 65%, and these studies are summarized. Portable indoor HEPA filters, a simpler strategy of using air conditioning units may also provide some protection from air pollution. Recently studies recommended that increase awareness of outdoor air pollution. The use of face masks in heavily polluted areas can be effective in decreasing exposure. Avoidance strategies implemented in one’s lifestyle can help limit air pollution exposure.

Conclusion: Climate change is a serious public health problem. To be protected from these effects, firstly global precaution and then individual precautions are needed.