Impacts of High Temperature and Heat Waves on Health Outcomes of Three Disease Types in China: A Systematic Review

Purpose of Review

High temperature (HT) and heat waves (HWs) are escalating meteorological phenomena, with profound impacts on public health. This review aims to investigate the characteristics, regional heterogeneity, and health impacts of HT and HWs in China, with a focus on vulnerable populations and co-exposure risks. It addresses how HT/HW-related mortality and morbidity vary across regions, while evaluating the compounded effects of air pollution (e.g., ozone (O₃)) under extreme heat.

Recent Findings

Recent studies underscore that HT and HWs significantly increase all-cause, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, and respiratory mortality and morbidity in China, particularly under co-exposure to pollutants like O₃. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, females, and children, exhibit heightened sensitivity. Climate projections warn of escalating burdens heat-related deaths could rise in the future. Standardizing HT and HWs definitions are essential to ensure consistent health impact assessments in vulnerability and exposure risks. Time series analysis was the most commonly used.

Summary

This review concludes that HT/HW-related health impacts exhibit significant heterogeneity in China, with older adults, females, and children facing heightened vulnerability to mortality. HT/HW increased the morbidity risk. The findings underscore the urgent need for standardized HT/HW definitions, multidisciplinary research integrating climate and health data, and expanded monitoring of long-term exposure effects. Appropriate health policies will be critical for mitigating risks and addressing disparities in heat wave adaptation across diverse climatic zones.

Graphical Abstract