Argentine scientists created the first map showing how heat waves increase mortality from cardiac episodes in Argentina.
In particular, the study identified a diagonal strip crossing the country where the cardiac risk spikes during episodes of extreme heat.
The study was conducted by a team composed of specialists from Conicet, CONAE, and the National University of Córdoba.
They developed unprecedented maps revealing where heat waves in Argentina dangerously raise the risk of death from heart diseases.
The work, published in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, demonstrated that the risk is not uniformly distributed across the national territory.
The research was led by Juan Pinotti, Ximena Porcasi, Sonia Pou, Camila Niclis, María Inés Stimolo, Laura Aballay, Rubén Actis Danna, and Sonia Muñoz.
These specialists work at the Mario Gulich Institute of Advanced Space Studies of the National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE), the Institute of Health Sciences Research of Conicet, and the National University of Córdoba.
Heat waves: a “deadly diagonal” crosses Argentina
In their analysis, the scientists identified a diagonal zone of high risk extending from the southwest to the northeast of Argentina.
In this strip, heat waves cause a significant increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks.
“A wide diagonal zone, extending from the southwest to the northeast of Argentina, presents higher mortality risks due to a combination of vulnerabilities and heat waves, while coastal and high-altitude areas exhibit lower risks,” the researchers detailed in this regard.
The provinces included in that high risk strip are:
- Córdoba (especially center and north)
- Santa Fe (center-north)
- Entre Ríos
- Santiago del Estero
- Chaco
- Formosa
- Corrientes
- Misiones
- North of Buenos Aires
- North of La Pampa
- East of Salta
Foci were also identified in the southwest of Mendoza and west of La Pampa.
In contrast, the coastal regions, the Northwest (Jujuy, part of Salta, Catamarca) and the high-altitude areas showed low risk levels.
The methodology: climate, society, and health
To define what heat waves are, the scientists used the criterion of the National Meteorological Service of Argentina.
Thus, these occur when the minimum and maximum temperatures exceed the 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days in the warm season.
In particular, the analysis by the national scientists focused on the years 2006 to 2010 and used official information from the National Statistics System, climatic data, and satellite measurements.
After that, the vulnerability to heat was measured in four aspects:
- social;
- environmental;
- chronic diseases, and;
- lifestyle habits
Other personal aspects were also considered, such as:
- unsatisfied basic needs;
- education;
- access to health;
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- obesity;
- alcohol consumption;
- low physical activity, and;
- smoking.
As the specialists pointed out, the problem of the impact of heat waves in Argentina does not only depend on high temperatures.
In reality, it also matters how people live, if they have access to health services, the educational level, and the environmental conditions.
Considering this, the statistical model allowed us to see where the mix of heat and social vulnerability raises the danger.
Critical zones in heat waves in Argentina and recommendations
In heat waves, the center-north of Argentina turned out to be the critical zone.
The Northeast, on the other hand, adds a high social vulnerability, with basic deficiencies and little access to health.
As for the southwest, it stands out for problems in health coverage and primary education.
In the analysis, the specialists considered an average of seven heat waves between 2006 and 2010.
However, some departments reached up to fourteen episodes, making them the most dangerous in Argentina during heat waves.
After presenting the study, the researchers recommended that authorities use these maps to decide where to act first.
While in the northeast a comprehensive development plan is needed, in the southwest it would be advisable to improve health and education.
This is especially relevant considering that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Argentina and the ones that worsen the most with heat waves.
Therefore, periodically updating these maps will be key to improving prevention and health response to heat waves in Argentina.
