American Heart Association warning: Here’s what those impacted by wildfire smoke need to know
The American Heart Association warns that smoke from Canadian wildfires can trigger serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and cardiac arrests. The organization advises those in affected areas to monitor their health and be prepared to perform CPR.
Why it matters
Wildfire smoke poses a significant public health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations, and awareness of these risks can help prevent acute medical emergencies.
The American Heart Association(AHA) warns smoke exposure from the Canadian wildfires heart problems or worsen existing ones.
Smoke from Canada wildfires has rapidly drifted into Michigan, bringing hazardous air quality for residents.
Studies have linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes.
Investigators found smoke from summertime wildfires that creating short-term spikes in fine particulate matter air pollution is significantly associated with same-day hospitalization for unstable chest pain.
According to the AHA a study found that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%.
Risk was elevated for both men and women, among adults 35-64 years old and in communities with lower socioeconomic status.
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