Climate governance is dominated by men, yet the health impacts of the climate crisis often affect women, girls, and gender-diverse people disproportionately, argue researchers ahead of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

A study of older adults in Australia and the U.S. indicates that cholesterol levels that fluctuate significantly from year to year without a change in medication may someday help to identify those with a higher risk of developing dementia. In a six-year study of almost 10,000 adults in their 70s, researchers found people with stable cholesterol levels had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia or showing cognitive decline compared to those with fluctuating cholesterol levels.

Severe temperature spikes may double or triple the risk of irregular heart rhythm in people with implanted defibrillators. An analysis of health data for more than 2,000 people with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) found that temperatures reaching 100°F (38°C) were more likely to lead to atrial fibrillation events.

The socioeconomic status of first-time moms in early pregnancy may affect their cardiovascular health up to seven years later.

Socioeconomic status — education level, income level, health insurance status and health literacy — of pregnant individuals was responsible for more than half of the long-term heart health disparities among Black, Hispanic and white women, according to a new study.

An analysis of death certificate data for more than 11 million U.S. adults from 2010 to 2022 found that cardiovascular disease death rates increased by about 21% for adults ages 25-64 living in rural areas, however, the rates declined by about 9% for adults ages 65 or older living in urban areas. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, cardiovascular death rates increased significantly more in rural compared to urban areas, a consistent finding across all ages.