A large-scale study analyzing 3.2 million adults in Northern California found a significant increase in cardiovascular hospitalizations and mortality during the 2018 Mendocino Complex wildfire smoke exposure. Elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) correlated with a 23.1% rise in cardiovascular events and 35.8% higher mortality compared to low pollution days. Interestingly, similar smoke exposure from the Camp Fire did not produce these effects, suggesting variable health impacts depending on smoke composition and exposure dynamics. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the findings underscore the cardiovascular risks posed by wildfire smoke and behavioral adaptation potential.