A study presented at ESC Asia, a scientific conference organized by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC), and the ASEAN Federation of Cardiology(AFC), reported that emergency visits for stroke increase during a heatwave. 

Experts stated that global warming and climate change are both major issues, and stroke is one of the top causes of mortality. The study included 3,367 individuals from Okayama, a city in Western Japan, who were 65 years of age or older and were taken to emergency hospitals due to strokes that started during and a few months after the rainy season between 2012 and 2019.

The researchers found a stronger correlation between temperature and stroke one month after the rainy season. They observed a 35% higher incidence of emergency visits for stroke for every 1°C increase after accounting for relative humidity, barometric pressure, and PM2.5 concentration. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke increased by 24%, ischemic stroke risk rose by 36%, and transient ischaemic attack risk increased by 56% when each kind of stroke was examined separately.

Further studies revealed that environmental factors occurring right after the rainy season might exacerbate the link between hot weather and stroke. High temperatures, longer sunny hours, and less rain distinguish this time of year.

The study finally advises older persons to take preventive steps like having insulated homes and air conditioning, staying cool during hot spells, thus protecting themselves from this debilitating and life-threatening disease.

(Source:  https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/hot-weather-raises-risk-of-stroke-in-older-people-study-101670223447940.html)