Citation

Barnett AG. Epidemiology 2007; 18(3): 369-372.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.ede.0000257515.34445.a0

PMID

17435447

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Short-term changes in temperature have been associated with cardiovascular deaths. This study examines changes in this association over time among the US elderly. METHODS:: Daily cardiovascular mortality counts from 107 cities in the US National Morbidity and Mortality Air Pollution Study were regressed against daily temperature using the case-crossover method. Estimates were averaged by time and season using a meta-analysis. RESULTS:: In summer 1987 the average increase in cardiovascular deaths due to a 10 degrees F increase in temperature was 4.7%. By summer 2000, the risk with higher temperature had disappeared (-0.4%). In contrast, an increase in temperature in fall, winter and spring was associated with a decrease in deaths, and this decrease remained constant over time. CONCLUSIONS:: Heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the elderly have declined over time, probably due to increased use of air conditioning, while increased risks with cold-related temperature persist.

Language: en