Preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association suggests that short-term climate exposure to higher heat may raise inflammation levels and disrupt immune system function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and hastening cardiovascular disease progression. Inflammation, crucial for defense against injury or infection, becomes harmful when prolonged, contributing to arterial plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. Lead author Daniel W. Riggs highlights the importance of considering various heat measurements beyond just temperature to understand its health impacts fully. The study, involving 624 adults in Louisville, found that higher Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) levels were associated with increased inflammation markers and reduced B-cell activity, indicating a weakened adaptive immune response. With rising global temperatures, the findings underscore concerns about heat exposure’s potential to compromise immune function, particularly among older adults and those with cardiovascular issues, prompting recommendations for mitigation strategies and tailored medical interventions to address heat-related health risks.
Does Exposure to Climate Heat Raise Inflammation and Disrupt Immunity?
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