The American Heart Association is alerting the public to the compounded health risks posed by wildfire smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires and record summer temperatures across the U.S. In a statement released today, the organization emphasized that the combination of extreme heat and fine particle pollution from smoke can be particularly dangerous for cardiovascular health.
“Extreme heat and wildfire smoke each carry major risks, especially for people with chronic health conditions including heart disease. The combination of the two is extremely dangerous,” said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “We want people to be mindful of the increased risk and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
While respiratory issues are often the primary concern with wildfire smoke, the American Heart Association stresses the significant impact on cardiovascular health. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream and trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events, even in people without known health conditions. A study published in Circulation, the association’s flagship journal, found that the risk of fatal heart attacks nearly doubled during days of extreme heat and high levels of fine particle pollution. Risks were even greater for women and older individuals.
Additional research highlighted in the release includes a study from the Journal of the American Heart Association showing that exposure to heavy wildfire smoke raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by up to 70%. This risk was elevated across genders and age groups, particularly among adults 35–64 and in communities with lower socioeconomic status. Previous findings also linked wildfire smoke exposure to increased emergency room visits for ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
To reduce risks, the American Heart Association recommends staying indoors with doors and windows closed, using high-efficiency air filters or portable air cleaners, and seeking alternative shelter if homes lack air conditioning. Outdoor activity should be limited, especially between noon and 3 p.m., and masks should be worn outdoors. When outside, people should avoid exertion, rest in shade or cool spaces, and stay hydrated with water while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Lightweight, light-colored clothing, hats, and sunscreen are also advised.
The association urges checking on older adults and those with chronic conditions, as they face higher risks. Pets should also be brought indoors. Recognizing signs of a heart attack—such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats—and stroke is critical, and 9-1-1 should be called immediately. Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature above 103°F, hot red skin, rapid pulse, confusion, or nausea.
The American Heart Association also emphasizes that knowing and performing CPR can more than double the chance of survival in cardiac arrest. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers a zip code-level air quality tracking map at airnow.gov. Patel advises checking that site regularly and staying informed about local health alerts. “Protect yourself, be alert and prepared,” he said. “It could be the difference in saving your life or that of someone you love.”
