Exhaustion

The association between ambient air temperature and mortality has not been assessed in Norway. This study aimed to quantify for seven Norwegian cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen, Fredrikstad, Trondheim and Tromsø) the non-accidental, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases mortality burden due to non-optimal ambient temperatures.

Existing studies on the association between temperatures and cardiovascular deaths have been limited in geographic zones and have generally considered associations with total cardiovascular deaths rather than cause-specific cardiovascular deaths. Across a large, multinational sample, exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures was associated with a greater risk of mortality from multiple common cardiovascular conditions. The intersections between extreme temperatures and cardiovascular health need to be thoroughly characterized in the present day—and especially under a changing climate.

High air temperatures and heat extremes are associated with a large burden of cardiovascular disease, especially among the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions. Under the influence of global warming as well as population growth and ageing, the heat-related impact on health is expected to increase in the upcoming decades. Therefore, the implementation of heat-health action plans is urgently needed to protect the public.