Worrying weather: roller-coaster temperature swings increase risk of dying, new study finds
People living in places with wildly swinging temperatures are more vulnerable to health problems such as heart attacks, respiratory ailments, and increased heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
As Hong Kong sweats through a heatwave after recent bouts of unexpectedly heavy rain, a new international study has put the focus on roller-coaster weather taking an increasing toll on lives.
Those living in places with wildly swinging temperatures over the course of a day or week are more vulnerable to health problems such as heart attacks, respiratory ailments, and increased heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels – leading to their mortality risk being significantly higher.
That is according to a study by the University of Hong Kong in collaboration with 372 communities in 12 countries.
It found that China – Hong Kong included – was among those countries experiencing the biggest fluctuations in temperatures that pose a greater health risk to citizens.
HKU environmental epidemiologist Dr Tian Linwei, who co-authored the study, warned the government of the huge public health impact of climate change and urged officials to be proactive in policymaking.