[Climate and the Heart].

Abstract

Climate change is the greatest existential threat to planetary and human health, driven by shifts in the Earth's weather and atmospheric conditions due to human activities. It causes extreme temperatures, increased droughts, wildfires, dust storms, coastal flooding, storm surges, hurricanes, and various compounded events. The impacts of climate change on health are complex and include pathways that contribute to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease. A collaborative effort among medical professionals, researchers, public health officials, and policymakers is crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming. This review provides an overview of how climate change affects cardiovascular health through direct exposures like temperature changes, air pollution, wildfires, dust storms, and extreme weather conditions. We also identify vulnerable populations and suggest mitigation strategies.