Australia’s Heart Disease Cases Projected to Double by 2050 Due to Extreme Heat: Study

Canberra: A new study has highlighted the alarming role of extreme heat in exacerbating heart disease in Australia, accounting for 7.3% of the nation’s total cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, underscores how rising temperatures are already contributing significantly to heart health issues and projects an even steeper rise in the coming decades.

Analyzing data from 2003 to 2018, researchers found that hot weather conditions led to nearly 50,000 healthy years lost annually, measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). South Australia was identified as the worst-affected region, while the Northern Territory recorded the least impact during this period.

Funded by the Adelaide University China Fee Scholarships and the Australian Research Council Discovery Program, the study models future scenarios based on varying climate change trajectories. Under a high-emissions scenario, researchers predict that by the 2050s, the burden of cardiovascular disease linked to extreme heat will more than double compared to baseline levels. Interestingly, while South Australia currently faces the highest burden, the Northern Territory is projected to experience the most significant rise in the coming decades.

Dr. Bi Peng, lead researcher from the University of Adelaide's School of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, explained the physiological strain heat places on the heart. "During hot weather, the heart must pump harder to regulate body temperature. This added stress poses serious risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions," Peng said.

He emphasized that although many people report feeling unwell during heatwaves, the true scale of heat-induced severe heart disease cases or premature deaths remains difficult to quantify. However, the trend clearly points toward an increasing health threat.

The findings highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation and public health interventions. Researchers advocate for urban cooling strategies, public awareness campaigns, and robust emergency response systems during periods of extreme heat. While the study focuses on Australia, it also draws attention to the global implications of heat-related cardiovascular disease, stressing the importance of investing in climate mitigation efforts worldwide.