The Impact of Heatwaves on Mortality and Morbidity and the Associated Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the current impacts of extreme temperature and heatwaves on human health in terms of both mortality and morbidity. This systematic review analyzed the impact of heatwaves on mortality, morbidity, and the associated vulnerability factors, focusing on the sensitivity component. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2022. Those eligible were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review framework. Results: A total of 32 articles were included in the systematic review. Heatwave events increased mortality and morbidity incidence. Sociodemographic (elderly, children, male, female, low socioeconomic, low education), medical conditions (cardiopulmonary diseases, renal disease, diabetes, mental disease), and rural areas were crucial vulnerability factors. Conclusions: While mortality and morbidity are critical aspects for measuring the impact of heatwaves on human health, the sensitivity in the context of sociodemographic, medical conditions, and locality posed a higher vulnerability to certain groups. Therefore, further research on climate change and health impacts on vulnerability may help stakeholders strategize effective plans to reduce the effect of heatwaves.

Association of extreme heat events with sleep and cardiovascular health: A scoping review

“…These papers did not elucidate a mechanism linking extreme heat to worsening CV measures or CVD. Their ndings are, however, largely in concordance with previous literature indicating that extreme heat adversely affects CV health, notably elevating BP, 4,5 and that it lowers measures of sleep quality. 11,12 Importantly, our review highlighted several current research challenges linking climate-ampli ed EHEs, sleep health, and CVD health.…”

“…4 Though increased CVD risk due to EHEs have been thoroughly documented in the literature, the mechanisms leading to associated CVD morbidity outcomes remain unclear. 5 Existing research describe a surge in cardiac output and hyperventilation during EHEs, yet the speci c pathways leading to CVD exacerbation during EHEs are not fully delineated. 6,7,8 One potential mechanism linking EHEs and CVD is sleep disruption.…”

Climate change and human health: Last call to arms for us

“…Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, often have fatal outcomes and exacerbate chronic conditions, including respiratory, renal and cardiac diseases. They also indirectly impact health by limiting physical activity, which can lead to obesity[ 5 , 6 ]. The deterioration of air quality due to global warming and the increase of atmospheric particulate matter, have led to an increase in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[ 5 , 7 ].…”

Unveiling the Coupling Coordination and Interaction Mechanism between the Local Heat Island Effect and Urban Resilience in China

“…Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a phenomenon by which the temperature of a city is higher than that of the surrounding suburban environment [9], and it is an important factor affecting the quality of the urban environment. UHIs lead to increased urban energy consumption, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and significant impacts on local meteorology, air quality, vegetation growth, and human health [10][11][12][13]. The occurrence of UHIs is closely related to climate change and urbanization.…”