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As daily temperatures climbed above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (32 degrees Celsius) across the U.S., so did the rate of out-of-hospital (OHCA) cardiac arrest admissions to hospitals' intensive care units (ICUs). However, the heat didn't appear to affect the overall outcomes of people admitted for cardiac arrest during heat waves compared with other times, according to new, independent, preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association's Resuscitation Science Symposium 2026.
The meeting will be held Nov. 7–8 in Chicago and will feature the most recent advances related to treating cardiopulmonary arrest and life-threatening traumatic injury.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system abruptly malfunctions and stops the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body, which results in loss of blood flow to the brain, lungs and other vital organs. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a serious cardiovascular emergency, and approximately 90% of people who experience OHCA do not survive.
Extreme heat has been known to increase the risk of cardiac arrest, although this has historically been measured using EMS calls or deaths. Those most vulnerable include older adults, people with disabilities and individuals who lack air conditioning or reliable transportation. As extreme heat events become more common globally, these researchers sought to better understand how heat exposure may affect people who experience OHCA, including their need for intensive care and their chances of recovery after arriving at the hospital.
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