Low-magnitude seismic activity is associated with increased cardiovascular hospitalizations in vulnerable populationsMinor earthquakes may increase heart health risks for older adults

Natural disasters are traditionally associated with mass trauma and acute injuries; however, non-communicable diseases account for the majority of premature mortality worldwide, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) alone responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually and approximately one third of all global deaths. Within disaster medicine, CVDs constitute a substantial yet often underrecognized component of disaster-related morbidity and mortality. While the cardiovascular consequences of major earthquakes have been relatively well described—including a documented several-fold rise in sudden cardiac death and acute coronary syndromes in the hours to weeks after the event—far less attention has been paid to the health impact of low-magnitud e, recurrent seismic activity. Emerging observational and ecological data suggest that even minor seismic events, when occurring frequently, are associated with measurable increases in cardiovascular hospitalizations and may act as chronic disaster-related stressors capable of destabilizing cardiovascular health, particularly in patients with established CVD and in older adults. This Mini Review examines the cardiovascular implications of low-magnitude seismic activity from a disaster medicine perspective. We summarize current knowledge on seismic exposure in chronically active regions, patterns of cardiovascular healthcare utilization during periods without major earthquakes, and the biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking seismic stress to cardiovascular events. Attention is given to the South Caucasus, with Azerbaijan discussed as a model region characterized by persistent seismicity and a high burden of cardiovascular disease. We highlight critical knowledge gaps related to background seismic exposure and non-traumatic cardiovascular outcomes and argue for the integration of cardiovascular risk mitigation into disaster preparedness frameworks. Preventive strategies based on prevention, prediction, and awareness are discussed in alignment with disaster risk reduction principles. Recognizing low-magnitude seismic activity as a relevant health stressor may support more resilient and context-sensitive approaches to disaster medicine in seismically active regions.