Cardiology
How Will Climate Change Affect Cardiology?
A warming climate and an increase in extreme heat events will likely increase mortality, particularly increasing rates of ischaemic cardiac events.
Those with pre-existing heart-failure have a reduced ability to withstand heatwaves due to challenges with fluid balance and intravascular oxidative stress.
Air pollution exposure from traffic, wood-burning stoves and wildfires increase the risk of coronary artery calcification, and may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Even low concentrations of air pollution increase these risks
How is Cardiology Affecting Climate Change?
Every hospital intervention and contact has a carbon footprint, whether in-patient or outpatient.
This includes transportation to and from hospitals, waste generated in procedures and blood tests and their reagents.
Diets are an important aspect of cardiac health. Meat consumption has an undoubtedly worse impact on the environment than a Plant-based diet
Medications used to treat heart conditions, such as digoxin and statins, have been identified in wastewater and natural waterways. The effects these may have on wildlife are unknown.
Advice for Patients
British Heart Foundation (BHF) has some excellent resources on keeping safe during hot weather
Discussion Ideas with Patients and Colleagues
Patients:
"Exercise is good for cardiovascular health. If you walk or cycle rather than take the car where possible, this will also improve the air quality around yourself and your neighbours."
"It is important that if you aren't using a medication then you need to return it to your GP or pharmacy to be disposed of as they may otherwise leach into our waterways and food chain"
Colleagues
"Is there a way we can reduce unnecessary blood tests"
"Could we incorporate an element of experiencing the natural world into our cardiac rehabilitation sessions?"
Highest impact actions for Cardiology
Embed climate change and healthcare sustainability in education and governance
Preventative measures through the promotion of active travel and plant-based diets would help improve cardiac health and prevent admissions
Consider where waste can be reduced during procedures and inpatient care
For More Information
The British Cardiovascular Society has resources and guidance on how climate change may affect your clinical practice