Tropical Cyclones Trigger Rise in Cardiovascular Diseases — Study

A new international study has shown that tropical storms can have a long-term negative impact on public health, leading to an increase in hospital admissions for cardiovascular complaints.

Researchers from Monash University (Australia) and the University of Otago (New Zealand) analyzed data from 124 tropical storms that occurred between 2000 and 2019 in Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. These data were compared with medical records on hospital admissions for heart and vascular diseases.

The results showed that cardiovascular complaints peaked in the second month after the storm, with elevated rates persisting for up to six months. The most significant increase was recorded among people aged 20 to 59 of both sexes.

One of the study's authors, Professor Simon Hales from the University of Otago, emphasized that the effects of natural disasters go beyond immediate injuries and deaths — the consequences can be delayed and impact health over the long term. Possible causes include infrastructure damage, worsening living conditions, and limited access to medical care after disasters.

The study was published in the journal Science Advances and highlights the importance of considering indirect medical consequences of climate-related disasters when developing response and recovery strategies.