Potential mechanisms of ischemic stroke induced by heat exposure

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2024-11, Vol.952, p.175815, Article 175815
• Main Authors: Zhou, Xiao, Wei, Chanjuan, Chen, Zhuangzhuang, Xia, Xiaoshuang, Wang, Lin, Li, Xin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; High ambient temperature; Hot Temperature - adverse effects; Humans; Inflammation; Intestinal injury; Ischemic Stroke; Oxidative Stress; Public health policy; Risk Factors; Stroke
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175815

Recent decades of epidemiological and clinical research have suggested that heat exposure could be a potential risk factor for ischemic stroke. Despite climate factors having a minor impact on individuals compared with established risk factors such as smoking, their widespread and persistent effects significantly affect public health. The mechanisms by which heat exposure triggers ischemic stroke are currently unclear. However, several potential mechanisms, such as the impact of temperature variability on stroke risk factors, inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation system changes, have been proposed. This article details the potential mechanisms by which heat exposure may induce ischemic stroke, aiming to guide the prevention and treatment of high-risk groups in hot climates and support public health policy development. The potential mechanisms of high temperature-induced ischemic stroke. Exposure to high temperatures can damage the intestines and liver, and induce myocardial infarction. Additionally, heat exposure can elevate blood pressure and FPG levels, as well as dyslipidemia (created with BioRender.com). [Display omitted] •High temperature is a potential risk factor for ischemic stroke•High temperatures can impair factors associated with ischemic stroke risk.•High temperature can damage the intestinal barrier, triggering systemic inflammation. It can also cause imbalances in the oxidative/antioxidant system and disrupt the coagulation system.•Improving climate and health monitoring systems, particularly for early high temperature warnings, is essential.