Beyond the Earthquake: Cardiovascular Consequences and Lessons for Colombia

An earthquake is an event that affects populations across multiple dimensions, extending far beyond trauma and immediate mortality. Cardiovascular events are particularly important during the acute phase and in the first days after the disaster, when physiological stress, disruption of healthcare services, medication interruption, and barriers to timely medical attention may increase cardiovascular risk. Previous evidence has documented increases in myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, cardiovascular mortality, and decompensation of chronic cardiovascular disease following major earthquakes. In Colombia, the recent earthquake affecting Chocó and neighboring regions highlights the particular vulnerability of populations facing geographic isolation and unequal access to healthcare. Disaster preparedness should therefore extend beyond trauma care and include continuity of cardiovascular medications, preservation of emergency referral pathways, capacity to manage sudden increases in cardiovascular demand, and structured follow-up after the acute phase. This article reviews these cardiovascular consequences and discusses their implications for disaster preparedness in Colombia.