HOLIDAYMAKERS exposed to heatwaves are more likely to suffer deadly heart attacks, new research reveals.
Older women suffering in sweltering temperatures between 34C and 43C for up to four days are 74 per cent more likely to suffer from the cardiac event.
GettyHigh temperatures can increase the risk of deadly heart attacks – especially in older women[/caption]
High temperatures can lower blood pressure, causing a person’s heart to beat faster – putting them at risk of the condition.
Chinese researchers, who analysed over 202,000 heart attack deaths between 2015-2021.
The deaths were among older adults with an average age of 77.6 years – 52 per cent were older than 80 and 52 per cent were male.
Of those deaths, 6,417 happened during heat waves when temperatures ranged from 32.8C to 40.3C for three days or longer.
The findings also showed cardiac incidents were twice as high when pollution levels were paired with soaring temperatures.
They estimated that 2.8 per cent of all heart attack deaths are the result of the fatal pollution and heat combination.
Dr Yuewei Liu, of Huazhong University, said: “Our findings provide evidence that reducing exposure to both extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution may be useful to prevent premature deaths from heart attack.”
It comes as much of southern Europe is in the grips of a heatwave.
Last week, temperatures hit highs of 45.9C in Sardinia and 46.3 in Sicily, the World Meteorological Organization reported.
Weather experts have declared 2023 an El Niño year – a natural phenomenon that occurs cyclically and causes fluctuations in the global climate.
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization said it will raise temperatures around the world, and the effect is likely to continue for the rest of the year.
And despite the heat this summer, Europe’s record temperature of 48.8C – recorded in 2021 in Sardinia, Sicily – has not been reached and is not currently forecast to be broken.
Foreign Office officials warned Brits heading abroad to take care due to the possible health risks posed by “extreme” heat.
To avoid the dangerous effects of pollution and heat Dr Yuewei suggested people take several precautions.
He wrote: “Follow weather forecasts, stay inside when temperatures are extreme, use fans and air conditioners during hot weather, dress appropriately for the weather, proper hydration and install window blinds to reduce indoor temperatures.
“Using an air purifier in the house, wear a mask outdoors, stay clear of busy highways when walking and choose less-strenuous outdoor activities.”
The study, published in the journal Circulation, did not explain why or how the co-exposure to both heat and pollution increases the risk of heart attacks.
However, air pollution has been previously linked to arrhythmias – another fatal heart condition.
Arrhythmias can result in blood clots, stroke and heart failure.
The 7 signs of a heart attack you need to know
Chest pain or discomfort (lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back)
Discomfort anywhere in the upper body – jaw, neck, shoulders, back, either arm, upper stomach area
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Dizziness
A sense that something is wrong
Source: Women’s Heart Health Initiative