A new report from the American Heart Association says global warming could lead to an increase in congenital heart defects.
The report predicts an increase of roughly 7,000 children born with congenital heart defects over the next eleven years. Researchers say that number is just across the eight states they studied and would be much higher nationwide.
Annually, about 40,000 children are born with congenital heart defects in the U.S.
Kyleigh Wegener is with the American Heart Association. She said studies of maternal heat exposure have found a link between extreme heat and congenital heart defects.
“With climate change that’s just going to increase more and our findings have found it’s going to hit the midwest the most.”
Wegener said pregnant women should be careful of exposure to extreme heat.
“Stay hydrated stay in the shade don’t get too much direct exposure to the sun. We don’t know the full effects except that there is this increased risk of congenital heart defects.”
The report was supported by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.