Record-breaking heat is affecting countries around the world, with Europe among the hardest hit as the continent continues to warm at twice the global average. The World Health Organization says more than 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe since 21 June 2026, while many other regions are also experiencing prolonged and dangerous heat.
Extreme heat caused by climate change is becoming a growing risk for heart health, as it increases the chances of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms, especially in older adults and people with existing heart conditions. Studies show that for every 1°C rise in temperature, cardiovascular deaths increase by about 4% in people aged 65 and over, and hospital admissions for heart attacks also rise during hot periods, driven by dehydration, inflammation, and strain on the body.
The impact is severe and growing, with an estimated 489,000 heat-related deaths each year. In addition, heat does not act alone but interacts with air pollution, with almost double the cardiovascular mortality risk due to heat observed under high pollution conditions compared to low pollution conditions.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO DURING HEATWAVES
- Drink water often, even if you are not thirsty
- Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day
- Exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler
- Stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned places when possible
- Wear light and loose clothing and protect yourself from the sun
- Check on older people, children, and those with health problems
- Follow air-quality alerts and avoid pollution peaks
- Get medical help if you feel dizzy, confused, or unwell, or have chest pain or trouble breathing
PUBLIC RESOURCES
WHAT CAN GOVERMENTS DO
Environmental risks are responsible for millions of preventable cardiovascular deaths, many of which could be avoided through coordinated action across climate, urban, and health policy. However, only around 35% of countries currently have heat-related health warning systems in place, and funding for climate adaptation in healthcare remains limited.
- Health systems need stronger heat–health action plans, real-time heat and air-quality alerts, and clear public guidance on reducing exposure during extreme heat and pollution episodes.
- Environmental risks such as heat, air pollution, and noise are still not fully integrated into cardiovascular prevention and clinical care, despite their proven health impacts.
- Expanding urban green spaces and reducing pollution can lower heat exposure and improve conditions for physical activity and overall health.
- Stronger policy action on clean energy, transport, and urban planning is essential to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, especially for vulnerable populations.
SCIENTIFIC RESOURCES
World Heart Federation. (2024). World Heart Report 2024: Clearing the air to address pollution’s cardiovascular health crisis. https://world-heart-federation.org/resource/world-heart-report-2024/
European Society of Cardiology. (2025). Climate change and cardiovascular disease: The impact of heat and heat health. European Heart Journal, 22. https://www.escardio.org/communities/councils/cardiology-practice/scientific-documents-and-publications/ejournal/volume-22/climate-change-and-cardiovascular-disease-the-impact-of-heat-and-heat-health-a/
World Heart Federation. (2025). Protecting cardiovascular health in a changing climate. https://world-heart-federation.org/heart-cafe/heart-cafe-at-esc-2025/protecting-cardiovascular-health-in-a-changing-climate/
World Health Organization. (2026). Climate change, heat and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health
Münzel, T., Lüscher, T. F., Kramer, C. M., Churchwell, K., Mbakwem, A., Rajagopalan, S., et al. (2026). Environmental stressors and cardiovascular health: Acting locally for global impact in a changing world. Global Heart, 21(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.5334/gh.1514