5 lakh deaths due to brain stroke are linked to climate change: Study

Climate change poses a significant threat to our health, with scientists now highlighting its link to an increased risk of stroke. In a recent study published in the journal Neurology, researchers found that the changing climate and extreme temperatures are contributing to a rise in the incidence of stroke worldwide.

Study finds link between temperature, strokes

The study, based on data from the past three decades (1990 to 2019) and covering over 200 countries, analyzed the correlation between health and temperature. The results showed a strong association between strokes and adverse temperatures. However, while the study emphasizes the connection between climate change and strokes, it does not establish causation.

In 2019 alone, adverse temperatures were responsible for 521,031 stroke-related deaths and over 94.2 million disability-adjusted life years lost globally. Notably, adverse temperatures below the ideal range accounted for the majority of these deaths, with sub-zero temperatures being the primary culprit. However, the report also highlights the escalating impact of rising temperatures.

Elderly populations and regions with healthcare disparities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures, with Central Asia experiencing a concerning surge in stroke cases. Additionally, the study found that men are at a higher risk of stroke due to temperature fluctuations compared to women.

"Dramatic temperature changes in recent years have affected human health and caused widespread concern," said study author Quan Cheng, PhD, of Xiangya Hospital Central South University in Changsha, China. "Our study found that these changing temperatures may increase the burden of stroke worldwide, especially in older populations and areas with more health care disparities.

Temperature changes affect stroke risk

The relationship between changes in temperature and stroke is complex and multifaceted. Researchers have highlighted that both extreme cold and extreme heat can potentially increase the risk of stroke.

When temperatures drop below the ideal range for the body, blood vessels may constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This elevated blood pressure is a known risk factor for stroke. Conversely, high temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can affect cholesterol levels and slow down blood flow, also increasing the risk of stroke.

Regionally, Central Asia has seen the highest death rate related to adverse temperatures and stroke, recorded at 18 per lakh. Similarly, in terms of countries, North Macedonia reported a death rate of 33 per lakh.

When looking at regions, central Asia had the highest death rate for stroke linked to non-optimal temperatures with 18 per 100,000. At the national level, North Macedonia had the highest death rate with 33 per 100,000.

"More research is needed to determine the impact of temperature change on stroke and to target solutions to address health inequalities," Cheng said. "Future research should aim to reduce this threat by finding effective health policies that address potential causes of climate change, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes."

Stroke, characterized by a disruption in blood flow to the brain or sudden bleeding, can have devastating consequences. A study published in the journal Neurology on May 17, 2023, revealed alarming trends in stroke-related deaths. In the 1990s, approximately 20 lakh people worldwide died from ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke.

By 2019, this number had risen to 30 lakh deaths. Researchers project that by 2030, ischemic stroke could be responsible for over 50 lakh deaths globally, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies.

To conduct their analysis, the researchers utilized datasets from various sources, including the Climate Research Unit Gridded Time Series, the World Bank, and the Global Burden of Diseases study. These datasets provided comprehensive information necessary for estimating the spread of stroke burden across 204 countries and territories worldwide.

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