Heart Attack Risk Skyro...

Posted By

Pallavi Mehra

Date

April 08, 2025

Category

Blogs

Heart Attack Risk Skyrockets By 86 During These Deadly Heatwaves – How To Keep Yourself Safe (Image Credits: iStock)

A new study has revealed that the risk of dying from heart-related conditions rises sharply during heatwaves that extend through both day and night—also known as compound heatwaves. These unrelenting hot spells are significantly more dangerous than heat experienced only during the day or night.

Published on April 1 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the research shows that people are 86 per cent more likely to die from a heart-related issue during compound heatwaves. In comparison, the risk increases by 19 per cent during daytime-only heatwaves and by 16 per cent during nighttime-only heatwaves.

“Traditional heatwave definitions fail to capture the full scope of these risks,” said Renjie Chen, professor at Fudan University School of Public Health, Shanghai. The study stresses the need for public health policies that consider continuous heat exposure.

What the Study Found

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2.4 million heart disease deaths in mainland China between 2013 and 2019. They compared death records with hourly temperature data to understand how heat exposure impacts heart health.

The findings showed that the risk of heart-related death steadily increases during compound heatwaves, unlike single-day or single-night events where the risk tends to spike and drop.

Some of the most affected conditions during compound heatwaves included:

Sudden cardiac arrest: Risk rose by 86 per cent, compared to 37 per cent (nighttime) and 24 per cent (daytime)

Heart attacks: Risk increased by 88 per cent, versus 16 per cent (nighttime) and 13 per cent (daytime)

Heart failure: Risk jumped by 97 per cent during compound heatwaves, while it was 24 per cent for daytime or nighttime alone

Why Are Compound Heatwaves So Dangerous?

These heatwaves are particularly deadly because they offer no cooling period, especially at night. The human body needs nighttime rest to regulate its core temperature. Without that break, the heart is put under continuous stress, increasing the risk of cardiovascular failure—especially in older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those without access to cooling.

How to Protect Yourself During Compound Heatwaves

With climate change making these events more common, it's vital to know how to stay safe. Here are some simple, effective tips:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.

Use fans or AC: Keep your indoor space cool. Use fans, coolers, or air conditioning if available.

Take cool showers: A cold shower or sponge bath can help reduce your body temperature quickly.

Close curtains and blinds: Prevent your home from heating up by blocking out sunlight during peak hours.

Wear loose, light-coloured clothes: Cotton and breathable fabrics help keep your body cool.

Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat: Stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm.

Check on vulnerable people: Keep an eye on elderly family members or neighbours. They are more at risk.

Sleep in a cool environment: Use a fan, open windows at night (if safe), or sleep on the floor where it's cooler.

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