Effects of extreme temperatures on cardiovascular emergency hospitalizations in a Mediterranean region: a self-controlled case series study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0238-0
• Publication Date: 2017-04-04T03:35:36Z
• Authors: Anna Ponjoan; Jordi Blanch; Lia Alves-Cabratosa; Ruth Martí-Lluch; Marc Comas-Cufí; Dídac Parramon; María del Mar Gar...; Rafel Ramos; Irene Petersen
• Keywords: Rate ratio; Extreme Cold; Cold weather; Stroke

Cold spells and heatwaves increase mortality. However little is known about the effect of or cold on cardiovascular morbidity. This study aims to assess diseases in a Mediterranean region (Catalonia, Southern Europe).We conducted population-based retrospective study. Data were obtained from System for Development Research Primary Care Catalan Meteorological Service. The outcome was first emergency hospitalizations due coronary heart disease, stroke, failure. Exposures were: spells; 3 7 subsequent days; heatwaves. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) 95% confidence intervals calculated using self-controlled case series method. We accounted age, time trends, air pollutants; results shown by age groups, gender event type.There 22,611 winter 17,017 summer between 2006 2013. overall incidence significantly increased during (IRR = 1.120; CI 95%: 1.10-1.30) even stronger days spell 1.29; 1.22-1.36). Conversely, did not heatwaves, neither nor stratified analysis.Cold but Catalonia. greater when including days. Such knowledge might be useful develop strategies reduce impact extreme temperature episodes human health.