A study of over 114,000 cases suggests that falling temperatures and cold weather are significant risk factors for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Key facts
- •Researchers analyzed more than 114,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases between November 2018 and December 2023.
- •Each one-degree Celsius drop in temperature is associated with a 1.4% increase in daily cardiac arrests.
- •Winter months see nearly 18% more cardiac arrests than summer months.
- •A daily temperature drop of over 5 degrees Celsius could serve as a warning indicator.
- •The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Europe is currently below 10%.
A study published in the journal Public Health has identified falling temperatures as a key weather-related risk factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Researchers from Semmelweis University, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and the Hungarian National Ambulance Service analyzed over 114,000 cases between 2018 and 2023. They found that lower temperatures and rapid temperature drops are associated with a higher incidence of cardiac events.
By the numbers
Temperature and Cardiac Arrest Risk
The research indicates that for every one-degree Celsius drop in average temperature, there is an average 1.4% increase in daily out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Seasonal comparisons showed that approximately 18% more cardiac arrests occur in winter compared to summer. Furthermore, a daily temperature decrease of more than 5 degrees Celsius may serve as a significant warning sign.
Predictive Capabilities and Future Applications
The study suggests that meteorological data could be used to predict spikes in cardiac arrest cases up to three days in advance, as the impact of weather changes is not always immediate. These findings could help develop early warning systems to assist patients with cardiovascular disease, their families, and emergency services in preparing for periods of higher risk.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews Health.
