Dramatic change in global climate is likely associated with increased deaths and disability from stroke in many regions of the world. This is according to a new study published in the online issue of the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal Neurology.
From high to low (of the thermometer)
Researchers in China analyzed data from more than 200 countries spanning more than three decades and found that both warmer and cooler than normal temperatures are associated with death and disability from stroke.
In fact, according to researchers from Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China, the majority of strokes appeared to be due to cooler-than-normal temperatures – although an increase in strokes also occurred when temperatures were higher than normal.
Effects on the body
In cold temperatures the blood vessels constrict causing blood pressure to rise – high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke. Conversely, high temperatures can dehydrate the body by affecting cholesterol levels and leading to reduced blood flow – and these factors are linked to strokes.
The elderly and less privileged countries are more vulnerable
“The dramatic changes in temperature recorded in recent years have affected human health and caused great concern,” said Dr. Quan Cheng, a neurosurgeon at Xiangya Hospital, one of the authors of the study, and added: “Our study showed that such large changes in temperature can increase strokes worldwide, especially in older populations and in areas with greater health care disparities.”
The analysis
As part of the study, the researchers examined medical records covering a period of 30 years and involving more than 200 countries. They investigated the number of deaths due to stroke as well as the cost of disability associated with strokes due to sub-optimal ambient air temperatures. They then analyzed the data based on different regions and countries on Earth. They also took into account the different age groups as well as the gender of the participants.
Low temperatures are the main “culprits”.
As they saw, in 2019 there were 521,031 deaths from stroke that were linked to temperatures above or below normal. Of the total deaths, 474,002 were linked to low temperatures.
The biggest “victims” are men
Deaths from stroke linked to changes in temperature, the analysis found, were more common among men – specifically the ratio for men was 7.7 deaths from stroke per 100,000 compared with 5.9 deaths per 100,000 for the women.
The heaviest blow in Central Asia and North Macedonia
Analysis by different regions of the world showed that central Asia had the highest proportion of stroke deaths linked to climate change – 18 per 100,000. At the state level, North Macedonia had the highest death rate – 33 per 100,000.
Effective health policies are needed
“Further research is needed to determine the effect of temperature change on strokes and to find targeted solutions to address health care disparities,” noted Dr. Cheng, adding that “effective health policies must be adopted that address potential causes.” of climate change such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and burdensome industrial practices.”
It should be emphasized, however, that the study did not prove a causal relationship between the climate crisis and strokes, but only an association. The analysis also did not take into account other factors that contribute to strokes such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
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