Climate change increases stroke risk through extreme weather and pollution

The World Stroke Organization warns that climate change poses a growing threat to brain health, increasing stroke risk and mortality. Extreme temperatures, humidity, and air pressure changes can cause dehydration, raise blood pressure, and lead to blocked blood vessels. Air pollution, exacerbated by climate change, is attributed to over 20% of global strokes. Older adults and those in low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk. The organization recommends cutting carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, and educating patients about weather-related health impacts. It also suggests embedding climate-related alerts into hospital records and strengthening cooperation among meteorological agencies and emergency services.