Earth Day and Your Health
Giuseppe Irranca :: Bway srlHealth eHeart News and Updates
As the annual spotlight on Earth approaches, i.e., Earth Day, and we take stock of the health of the planet, recent research seems to indicate that the health of the earth is also tied to our own health. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that at least 12.6 million deaths a year can be attributed to environmental risks which serves to highlight the importance of the mission statement behind Earth Day. From a cardiovascular perspective, climate change also directly impacts heart health.
Climate change has led to higher global temperatures which brings about frequent heat waves increasing the chances of heart attack or even stroke, particularly for those with cardiovascular health problems. This does not even factor in that heat waves are also bad for one’s mental health which can only exacerbate many underlying medical conditions. Persistent mental illness (from chronic stress, mood disorders, PTSD, etc.), research shows, can lead to a variety of cardiovascular issues: increased heart rate and blood pressure, higher levels of cortisol, and even reduced blood flow to the heart. These physiological effects can actually lead to calcium buildup in the arteries and even contribute to heart disease.
Additionally, individuals who struggle with chronic mental health, and do not have healthy coping mechanisms, have an increased chance of turning to unhealthy mechanisms like cigarettes or alcohol which can be especially detrimental to heart health, especially those with AFib. There is a growing body of research that is illuminating a close interaction between psychological factors and AFib disease conditions. So, in keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, keep in mind how you treat the environment because our health is partially dependent on it.