Heat waves and pollution raise heart risks, doctors warn

AI Summary

Heat waves increase cardiovascular risk by making the heart work harder to cool the body, causing blood to thicken and coagulate. During heat waves, deaths related to cardiovascular diseases can rise by 12–17%.

When temperatures climb, the cardiovascular system works harder to keep the body cool by redirecting blood flow from the core to the surface of the skin to allow for evaporation. High temperatures can cause blood to coagulate and thicken, making the process even harder on the heart. During heat waves, deaths related to cardiovascular disease can increase by 12–17%.