Extreme Heat Linked to Rising Cardiovascular Disease Burden in Australia
A new study projects that heat-related heart disease impacts could nearly double or triple by 2050 without urgent climate action and adaptation strategies.
- Research shows extreme heat accounts for 7.3% of Australia's current heart disease burden, measured as 49,483 years of healthy life lost annually.
- Future projections indicate heat-related cardiovascular disease could double by 2050 under moderate emissions scenarios and nearly triple under high emissions scenarios.
- South Australia currently experiences the highest rate of heat-related heart disease, but the Northern Territory is expected to see the most significant proportional increase by mid-century.
- The study highlights the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, including urban cooling plans, public health campaigns, and financial support for vulnerable populations.
- While focused on Australia, researchers emphasize that the findings are globally relevant as rising temperatures increase cardiovascular risks worldwide.
Cosmos 
