The burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) attributed to high temperatures rose significantly from 1990 to 2021, and the impact was greater on men and older populations, according to a study published Feb. 25 in JACC: Asia.

Drawing on data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, spanning across Asia from 1990 to 2021, Qinyi Bao, MD, Jian'an Wang MD, PhD, FACC, et al., used estimates for a comprehensive range of epidemiological metrics including mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and corresponding age-standardized tests, stratified by age and sex to understand the impact of more intense and frequent heat waves. Decomposition analysis was conducted to explore the potential burden drivers.

Results showed a significant rise in the IHD burden in Asia attributable to high temperatures, with 88,450 deaths and 2,11,025.42 DALYs reported in 2021. The annual increase in IHD burden was 1.63% for the age-standardized mortality rate and 1.60% annually in age-standardized rate of DALYs over the three decades. Groups consistently facing a higher IHD burden from higher temperatures were men and older persons (>65 years, increasing with age), and those living in South Asia. Those living in high-income Asia Pacific were least affected.

The authors note that regional disparities may persist, despite generally balanced contributions from population growth, aging and epidemiological changes. Additionally, Asia is expected to experience a rapid demographic shift, with a projected doubling of older persons to comprise a quarter of the population. Moreover, climate change poses a significant threat to population health because of increased exposure to high temperatures, and 2023 marked the 27th consecutive year of above-average temperatures in Asia.

"These findings can potentially guide public health strategies and infrastructure planning. Priority should be given to equitable implementation for vulnerable groups, including men and older populations," write the authors.