According to a recent study published in the journal Neurology, extreme temperature fluctuations associated with climate change could contribute to approximately half a million deaths and cases of disability from stroke worldwide. The study, which analyzed data spanning three decades, revealed an association between non-optimal temperatures and increased risks of death and disability from stroke.

Although the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between climate change and stroke, it highlights the connection between temperature extremes and adverse health outcomes. The researchers found that temperature fluctuations have a particular impact on older populations and regions with existing health care disparities.

Cold temperatures were found to be responsible for the highest number of stroke-related deaths. However, heat was also identified as a significant factor contributing to stroke cases. The study further predicts that stroke-related deaths will rise in areas with high temperatures.

Climate change, previously synonymous with rising temperatures, now encompasses temperature extremes at both ends of the spectrum. While global warming remains a concern, scientists attribute the occurrence of unusually cold and wet weather events to climate change as well. The study emphasizes that these temperature variations have different mechanisms that contribute to stroke risk. Colder temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure, a known risk factor for strokes. In contrast, higher temperatures can induce dehydration and affect cholesterol levels, resulting in slower blood flow, which also contributes to stroke risk.

The researchers examined health records from 204 countries and territories over a three-decade period to identify stroke deaths and disability cases associated with temperature deviations from the optimal range. Among the 521,031 stroke deaths in 2019 linked to temperature, 474,002 were attributed to cold temperatures. The study highlighted that more men than women were affected by temperature-related stroke deaths.

Furthermore, the study estimated that there were approximately 9.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to strokes potentially related to temperature fluctuations. DALYs measure the number of years lost due to premature death or living with illness.

The study's findings emphasize the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions. Last summer, many states in the United States experienced record-breaking heatwaves, affecting approximately 45 million people. Both heatwaves and extreme cold temperatures can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults. The National Institute on Aging suggests that older adults lose heat faster than younger individuals and may not realize they are cold. Conversely, higher temperatures can also be hazardous, with older adults being sensitive to temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The impact of extreme weather on older adults is exacerbated by factors such as decreased temperature regulation, existing health conditions like heart disease, and the potential interaction of medications with temperature regulation. This vulnerability puts older adults at higher risk of stroke triggered by extreme weather events.

To raise awareness about stroke prevention and support affected individuals and caregivers, the American Academy of Neurology offers a free patient and caregiver magazine on their website at BrainandLife.org.

As climate change persists and temperature extremes become more frequent, addressing the health consequences, such as increased disability and deaths from stroke, becomes crucial. The study's findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop targeted interventions and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change.