A study of over 8 million residents in Eastern Poland from 2011-2020 found that both heatwaves and coldwaves are associated with increased major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and cardiovascular deaths.
Heatwaves had an immediate impact: on the day of exposure, MACCE increased by 7.5% and cardiovascular deaths by 9.5%.
Coldwaves had a delayed, sustained effect: MACCE risk rose from 4.0% to 5.9% over several days, and cardiovascular death risk from 4.7% to 6.9%.
Air pollution (O3, benzo[a]pyrene, PM2.5, NO2) amplified the effects of temperature extremes.
Second Study
A separate analysis from the same cohort estimated that approximately 13% of cardiovascular deaths (71,440 years of life lost) were associated with air pollution over the decade.
Monthly increases in air pollution exposure were linked to up to 10% rise in MACE, with effects ~5% higher in women than men and ~9% higher in individuals under 65 vs. over 65.
Statements
Professor Lukasz Kuzma: "Climate change is driving extreme weather events... Poland is now seeing unprecedented heatwaves alongside existing coldwaves."
Doctor Anna Kurasz: "Even though air pollution is recognised as a major cardiovascular risk factor, it is still underappreciated."
The research was presented at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2026, congress of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.