Rethinking how we study the impact of heat on heart health

Scientists have been testing how heat affects our hearts for years. But here's the thing: the most commonly used method might not provide much insight into what happens to the heart during heat waves.

A new study led by the University of Ottawa, Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit with researchers from Harvard University, University of Otago, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, and the University of Portsmouth, has revealed critical insights into how we test extreme heat’s impact on heart function. With rising global temperatures, understanding these effects is crucial for protecting public health, especially during heat waves.

The research, which analyzed data from over 400 laboratory studies involving more than 6,800 participants, highlights how different heating methods affect the heart’s performance under heat stress. "Our study shows that exposure to encapsulated heating methods, like water-perfused suits or hot water immersion, can lead to significantly increased heart rates, blood pressures, and cardiac strain when compared to natural heat exposures, like those experienced during hot weather" says Robert Meade, who was a postdoctoral fellow at uOttawa’s Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit  and lead author of the study.

When exposed to heat, the body may struggle to function normally, potentially resulting in serious cardiovascular issues. To cool down, the body increases blood flow to the skin, leading to higher heart rates and increased cardiac workloads. The resultant increase in strain on the heart can pose a significant risk for vulnerable groups, including older adults and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Glen Kenny, a full professor of physiology at uOttawa's Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, emphasizes the importance of these findings. “As temperatures continue to rise, we need to understand how heat affects heart health. This research helps us address the physiological challenges posed by heat and will inform how we protect individuals during extreme weather events."

The study revealed that the most common heating method, suits that perfuse large volumes of hot water directly over the skin, may result in rapid overheating and exacerbated increases in cardiac strain. In contrast, participants exposed to climate-controlled environments simulating hot weather or heat waves exhibited distinct cardiac responses that are likely more applicable to real-life scenarios. "Our research offers vital data that can be used to design laboratory-studies that will more easily translate to the real world to enhance public health strategies," notes Meade.

The researchers hope their findings will influence how health agencies develop strategies to protect people during extreme heat events.

Scientists are now heading back to the drawing board, ready to figure out what really happens when the mercury rises - not in the lab, but in the real world where it matters most.

To learn more, read the analysis titled “Meta-analysis of heat-induced changes in cardiac function from over 400 laboratory-based heat exposure studies”, published in Nature Communications.