Carbon monoxide and hospital admissions for congestive heart failure: evidence of an increased effect at low temperatures.

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.98106649
• Publication Date: 2011-01-06T19:41:28Z
• Authors: R D Morris; E N Naumova
• Keywords: Chicago; Heart Failure; Air Pollutants; Carbon Monoxide; Temperature; Cold Climate; 3. Good health; Hospitalization; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 13. Climate action; Humans

The combined effects of carbon monoxide and low temperature on daily variation in hospital admissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) were examined a 4-year period Chicago, Illinois. Medicare CHF analyzed as function the maximum hourly temperature, levels (CO), other criteria pollutants Chicago each day (1986-1989). regression analyses time series conducted using single multipollutant models with interaction terms adjustments weather, weekly cycles, seasonal effects, secular trend. data also grouped into three ranges, <40 degrees, 40 degrees-75 >75 degrees F, relationship between CO was evaluated range. For series, level positively associated pollutant after adjustment weather pattern. relative risks 75th percentile exposure to high, medium, ranges 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-1.10], 1.09 (CI, 1.04-1.14), 1.15 1.09-1.22), respectively. In these data, effect dependent, magnitude increasing decreasing temperature. This synergy may help explain association ambient demonstrated studies.