"Wildfires, compound extreme events, climate change and cardiovascular health," are the central theme of an editorial authored by Kai Chen, PhD; Yuan Lu, ScD, and Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC; in JACC.

The editoral underscores the uniquely dangerous hazards of wildfire smoke compared with other air quality hazards given its harmful organic compounds and ability to travel hundreds of miles. The increasing number of these events and their related implications for heart health "are not fully captured by traditional risk factors or public health frameworks," write Chen, Lu and Krumholz.

To make matters worse, wildfires are increasingly part of "compound extreme events" that can even further exacerbate and amplify health risks. Whether these events are occurring simultaneously (co-occuring) or taking place in a cascading fashion (successive), "both have pround implications for cardiovascular health," according to the editorial.

The authors call on cardiologists to "lead the charge in understanding and mitigating these risks," using a three-pronged framework that involves anticipation, mitigation and adaptation. Successfully implementing this framework requires, in part, health systems and clinicians being able anticipate and identify high-risk regions and populations; investments in climate-resilient infrastructure; enhanced public health strategies and interventions in disaster-prone areas; and more.

They also highlight the important role that clinicians can play "by contributing research, sharing insights, and incorporating climate considerations into clinical practice."

"Our thoughts are with those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones in the wildfires that devastated communities across Los Angeles and beyond," says Krumholz, who is JACC Editor-in-Chief. "These fires are a stark reminder of the growing frequency of extreme climate events and their profound health impacts. At JACC, we are committed to publishing science that helps us understand and address these challenges, including the intersection of climate change and cardiovascular health. Together, we can work toward solutions that mitigate risks and improve resilience for our patients and communities."