Impact of climate change on health
The challenges posed by climate change are no longer limited to environmental problems, such as melting glaciers or rising sea levels. These problems are having a deep impact on our health, especially the brain. Factors such as increasing temperatures, weather changes and pollution are now directly linked to serious health conditions, such as stroke. Experts say that the risk of stroke is no longer limited to diet or lifestyle alone; It is also related to the air we breathe, and the temperature in which we live. It has now become one of the leading causes of death and disability globally.
Effect of heat and dehydration on stroke
According to recent reports, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of stroke. A scientific statement issued by the World Stroke Organization explains that outdoor weather conditions are affecting the physiological processes of our brain. When the temperature increases, fluids from the body begin to decrease rapidly, causing dehydration. As a result, the blood thickens, increasing the risk of clot formation, which can lead to ischemic stroke. Heat also puts additional pressure on the heart and blood vessels, further increasing the risk.
effect of sudden change in weather
People often attribute health problems to heat alone, but sudden changes in weather can also have a significant impact. Rapid fluctuations in temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure can trigger a rise in blood pressure, a leading sign of stroke. When the body has to constantly adapt to changing weather, it puts unnecessary strain on the heart and brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
Danger of pollution and mixed weather
According to experts, climate change and increasing air pollution are causing “mixed events” that bring multiple problems together. These issues aggravate each other, causing immense stress on the human body. Smoke from vehicles and factories and events caused by climate change, such as wildfires, release small particles into the air. These particles reach the blood through the lungs and damage the blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 20 percent of stroke cases worldwide are linked to pollution.
Who is most at risk and what are the measures?
This situation proves to be especially dangerous for the elderly, outdoor workers and the already vulnerable. About 89 percent of stroke cases are seen in low-income countries, where the impact of climate change is greater. Experts say it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt clean energy sources and increase awareness among people. Additionally, it is also important to prepare health services to deal with weather-related threats.
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