Climate change impacts drive new cardiovascular health guidelines

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released new guidelines to help healthcare services protect vulnerable populations from the cardiovascular risks posed by climate change and extreme weather. Data from the ESC indicates that older adults with existing heart conditions face up to seven times higher mortality rates during extreme heat events.

The new directives emphasize the need for increased hospital capacity during heatwaves, proactive home healthcare to monitor patients, and the provision of cooling resources such as fans. They also highlight the importance of proper medication storage and monitoring hydration levels in at-risk individuals.

In Chile, experts note that climate change integration into health systems remains limited, particularly regarding training and risk mapping. While the Ministry of Health updated its Sectoral Plan for Climate Change Adaptation in Health in 2024, experts argue there is still a lack of concrete implementation across the healthcare network. Research in Chile remains limited regarding how climate impacts vary by territory and socioeconomic status compared to data available in Europe, Australia, and the United States.