Parts of the U.S. are experiencing smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting down and summer temperatures pushing up, creating a potentially deadly situation, according to the American Heart Association. The combination of extreme heat and wildfire smoke carries major risks, especially for people with chronic health conditions including heart disease.
“Extreme heat and wildfire smoke each carry major risks, especially for people with chronic health conditions including heart disease. The combination of the two is extremely dangerous,” said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “We want people to be mindful of the increased risk and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Beyond the immediate dangers to life and property where fires are burning, breathing and respiratory health problems are often considered the biggest health impact from wildfire smoke. However, the American Heart Association emphasizes the serious impact on cardiovascular health, which is far reaching. Wildfire smoke contains fine, microscopic particles linked to cardiovascular risk. Strong scientific evidence shows that smoke exposure may worsen the health of people with existing heart disease and may trigger a major cardiovascular event even in those without known health conditions.
A study published in Circulation, the peer-reviewed flagship journal of the American Heart Association, found that the risk of fatal heart attacks nearly doubled during days of extreme heat waves and high levels of fine particle pollution. The risks were even greater for women and older individuals. Several research studies have linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%.
While you cannot change the weather or the air quality in the community, being aware and taking precautions can help reduce these risks. The American Heart Association offers tips for reducing exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat: avoid the heat and smoke by staying indoors with doors and windows closed; use high-efficiency air filters in air conditioning systems or portable air cleaners indoors, which have been shown to reduce indoor particulate matter by as much as 50-60%; consider seeking other shelter if your home does not have an air conditioner; limit outdoor activity especially between noon and 3 p.m.; wear a mask outdoors; avoid exertion and take breaks to rest in the shade or a cool indoor space; keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks; dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing and wear a hat and sunglasses; check on older people and those with chronic health conditions; and bring pets indoors.
Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke is important. Symptoms include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired, or feeling lightheaded. Heat stroke is a different yet deadly medical emergency, with symptoms including body temperature above 103°F, hot red dry or damp skin, rapid strong pulse, confusion, headache, or nausea. Knowing and performing CPR can more than double the chance of survival if you see someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers a zip code-level tracking map of current air quality at airnow.gov. Patel recommends checking that site regularly if you see signs of wildfire smoke and haze developing where you live. “Protect yourself, be alert and prepared,” he said. “It could be the difference in saving your life or that of someone you love.” The American Heart Association has resources to help at www.heart.org.
