American Heart Association Warns of Cardiovascular Risks from Canadian Wildfire Smoke

The American Heart Association has issued a critical warning about the elevated risk of heart disease resulting from exposure to wildfire smoke originating from Canada, which is rapidly moving into the United States. This smoke contains fine, microscopic particles that are directly linked to cardiovascular risk, affecting populations far beyond the immediate fire zones. Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023 demonstrated a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and same-day hospitalizations for unstable chest pain in Utah, highlighting the immediate threat to heart health.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires could increase the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by up to 70%. This risk disproportionately affects men and women aged 35-64 and communities with lower socioeconomic status, indicating that vulnerable populations face the greatest danger. Additional findings from the same research group showed that wildfire smoke exposure was associated with increased emergency room visits for various cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and ischemic heart disease, with particularly severe impacts on adults aged 65 and older.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, American Heart Association volunteer president, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke and recommends checking air quality at airnow.gov for real-time monitoring. He advises staying indoors, using high-efficiency air filters, avoiding physical exertion, and maintaining proper hydration to reduce exposure to harmful wildfire smoke particles. The American Heart Association's 2020 scientific statement on air pollution exposure underscores that portable air cleaners can reduce indoor particulate matter by 50-60%, providing a cost-effective measure to mitigate cardiopulmonary risks associated with smoke inhalation.

Dr. Churchwell urges the public to take the threat of wildfire smoke seriously, even for those not directly affected by the fires themselves, and to implement proactive health protection measures. The association's warnings come as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect air quality across multiple U.S. regions, creating widespread cardiovascular health concerns that extend hundreds of miles from the actual fire locations. This situation underscores the far-reaching public health implications of climate-related events and the need for increased awareness about the connection between environmental factors and heart disease.