EP348: Climate and Environment with Dr Fiona Foo Part 1

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Episode Summary Dr. Warwick Bishop hosts Dr. Fiona Foo, a Sydney-based interventional cardiologist with expertise in women's heart disease and sports cardiology, to discuss the critical intersection of climate, environment, and cardiovascular health. In this first part of a two-part series, they explore how environmental factors—particularly air pollution—represent a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease worldwide, one that many people fail to recognize or act upon. Key Takeaways: Environmental factors, including air pollution, are the fourth highest modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease globally—ranking higher than smoking—alongside behavioral and metabolic risk factors. Air pollution causes approximately 6.7 to 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with over 50% of these deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. PM2.5 particulate matter (2.5 microns in diameter) from fossil fuel burning, forest fires, and traffic exhaust is so small it can penetrate the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and damage every organ in the body through inflammatory and oxidative pathways. More than 90% of the global population is exposed to annual PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines, and Australia is not immune despite perceptions otherwise—particularly during bushfire and back-burning seasons. Switching to renewable energy sources (solar, wind) and electrifying home systems previously powered by fossil fuels and gas is one of the most impactful personal actions to reduce air pollution while improving cardiovascular and respiratory health. During high air pollution events (bushfires), individuals should stay indoors, avoid outdoor exercise, use N95 masks if outside, install air filters, seal door gaps, and set car air conditioning to recirculation mode rather than drawing in outside air. Domestic gas stoves and oil/gas production facilities release multiple pollutants (methane, ozone, nitrogen oxide) beyond PM2.5 that significantly increase asthma, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Climate change is intensifying both air pollution exposure and extreme weather events (heat and cold), creating compounding cardiovascular and broader health risks that require both individual action and systemic policy changes.