Stroke Risk: Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it is also having a serious impact on our health, especially our brains. Let's explore the risks of stroke...

side effects of climate change

Stroke Risk: The problems associated with climate change are no longer limited to environmental issues like melting glaciers or rising sea levels. They are also having a profound impact on our health, especially our brains. From increasing heat to changing weather and pollution, these are now directly linked to serious diseases like stroke. Experts have warned that the risk of stroke is no longer limited to diet or lifestyle, but is also linked to the air and temperature in which we live. It is also becoming one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. 

Heat and dehydration increase the risk of stroke.

According to reports, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of stroke. A new scientific statement from the World Stroke Organization, published in the International Journal of Stroke, states that the weather outside is now beginning to affect the activities happening inside our brains. This is because when temperatures rise too high, water is rapidly lost from the body, leading to dehydration. This causes the blood to thicken and increases the risk of blood clots, which can cause ischemic stroke. Furthermore, heat also puts pressure on the heart and blood vessels, further increasing the risk. 

sudden change in weather

People often think this is due to the heat, but in this situation, it's not just the heat but also the sudden changes in weather that affect the body. Rapid changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure can increase blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke. Experts believe that when the body has to adapt to frequently changing weather, it puts additional strain on the heart and brain, increasing the risk of stroke. 

Pollution and the threat of compound weather

Then there are what experts call "combined events," meaning weather that brings multiple problems together. We're talking about climate change combined with increasing air pollution. In such situations, these problems exacerbate each other, leading to a greater impact on the body. Increasing air pollution, combined with climate change, also increases the risk of stroke. Vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and climate-change-induced events like forest fires and dust storms release tiny particles into the air that reach the bloodstream through the lungs and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockage or rupture. More than 20 percent of stroke cases worldwide are linked to pollution. Furthermore, when multiple weather conditions, such as heat and drought or cold and humidity, occur simultaneously, this risk is further exacerbated. 

Which people are most affected, and what are the solutions?

According to the report, this condition can be dangerous and sometimes fatal for the elderly, people who work outdoors, and those who are already frail or ill. Nearly 89 percent of stroke cases occur in low-income countries, where climate impacts are greater, and they have fewer resources to deal with them. Experts say that reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting clean energy, and raising public awareness are essential to mitigate this risk. It is also crucial to prepare health systems for weather -related risks.