Impact of Severe Earthquake on the Occurrence of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke in a Rural Area of Japan Experience From the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

• DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-08-0812
• Publication Date: 2009-06-25T06:02:23Z
• Authors: Masayuki Tsuchida; Masa-aki Kawashiri; Ryota Teramoto; Mutsuko Takata; Kenji Sakata; Wataru Omi; Masaki Okajima; Masayuki Takamura; Hidekazu Ino; Yoshihito Kita; Tadayoshi Takegoshi; Hideo Inaba; Masakazu Yamagishi
• Keywords: Peninsula

Background: Although acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stroke are known to increase after earthquake, few data exist regarding the effect of earthquake on these cardiovascular events in rural areas. Methods Results: The Noto Peninsula with a magnitude 6.9 occurred at 9:45 a.m. 25 March 2007. first case ACS approximately 15 min later, whereas cerebral hemorrhage (CH) 72 h onset earthquake. During 35 days among 49 patients who were attended by local ambulance, 5 (10.2%) 8 CH (16.3%) documented 4 died. total number both cases was greater than averages for same period past 3 years this area (2.0 vs 2.3 8, P<0.01). Interestingly, most had within 7 not until later. Conclusions: Even areas severe results increased incidence CH, which can occur different times event, although effects other environmental factors should be further investigated. (Circ J 2009; 73: 1243-1247)