Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant threat to cardiovascular health, with rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and worsening air pollution all contributing to heightened risks. For example, during heat waves, individuals—especially older adults and those with pre-existing cardiac conditions—face a greater likelihood of dehydration, blood pressure instability, and heat-induced cardiac events.

Elevated air pollution and environmental stressors, both exacerbated by climate change, have been linked to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and, ultimately, higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The interplay between environmental changes and cardiovascular risk is well-established in recent studies.

Efforts to mitigate these risks are multifaceted. Public health initiatives, urban planning designed to minimize heat exposure, investment in clean energy, and widespread education about protective behaviors are all important at the community level. Individually, people can reduce their risk by staying adequately hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during periods of extreme heat, and adhering to established heart-healthy lifestyle guidelines.

Clinicians are also beginning to incorporate environmental risk factors into cardiovascular care, proactively identifying vulnerable patients and offering tailored recommendations. Recognizing the complex relationship between climate change and heart health enables both healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop targeted preventive strategies, thereby reducing overall cardiovascular burden and improving resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.