WASHINGTON, Oct 31, (Agencies): A recent study, backed by the National Institutes of Health, warns of a significant surge in heart-related deaths linked to extreme heat in the United States. Published in the journal Circulation on Monday, the study delved into the heat index from May to September between 2008 and 2019. It found that temperatures reached a scorching 90 degrees or higher on approximately 54 days each summer, contributing to an average of 1,651 cardiovascular deaths annually across the nation.

Based on predictions related to environmental shifts and population changes, researchers anticipate that if greenhouse gas emissions persist in their upward trajectory, the US could experience up to 80 days of such extreme temperatures between 2036 and 2065. This alarming scenario could result in a threefold increase in cardiovascular deaths, soaring to 5,491 per year.

Dr. Sameed A. Khatana, a study author, cardiologist, and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, explained the physiological responses to elevated temperatures: "When the body senses that its temperature is going up, various things start kicking into gear. A key component of that is that the heart beats faster and harder to get blood away from the core of the body, to transport heat away from the vital organs. For people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, their heart might not be able to keep up with the increased demands on the cardiovascular system that temperature is causing."

Furthermore, the study highlighted the heightened vulnerability of Black adults and seniors aged 65 and older. Their increased risk is attributed to underlying health conditions and socioeconomic barriers, such as the absence of air conditioning or residence in "heat islands," which are locales that can trap and amplify heat.

Among Black adults, heart-related deaths could surge from 325 to 1,512 if greenhouse gas emissions remain constant, or even higher to 2,063 if emissions continue to rise. For seniors, heart-related deaths might nearly triple, rising from 1,340 to 3,842 under steady emissions, or potentially reaching 4,894 with increasing emissions.

Dr. Khatana emphasized, "The health burdens from extreme heat will continue to grow within the next several decades. Due to the unequal impact of extreme heat on different populations, this is also a matter of health equity and could exacerbate health disparities that already exist."

While some cities have started implementing cooling measures such as tree planting for shade, establishing cooling centers with air conditioning, and utilizing heat-reflective materials for streets and rooftops, the study underscores the need for further research to understand the broader impact of these approaches on public health.

Khatana stressed, "Solutions need to be targeted at people who are the most vulnerable. If mitigation efforts are not taken, if efforts to reduce emissions aren't made, then these inequities that we've already seen might continue to widen."