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Seasonal variations in fibrinogen concentrations among elderly people
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
Insights
Elderly individuals experience higher cardiovascular disease risks in winter due to seasonal changes in plasma fibrinogen (a blood clotting protein). Lower body and environmental temperatures increase fibrinogen, raising the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Elderly populations exhibit increased mortality and morbidity during winter months.
- Seasonal variations are observed in both fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke rates.
- Identifying contributing factors to excess winter cardiovascular disease in the elderly is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors contributing to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in elderly individuals during winter.
- To examine seasonal variations in cardiovascular risk factors in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 100 participants aged 75 and over, residing in various accommodations.
- Monthly monitoring of body and environmental temperatures, and measurement of cardiovascular risk factors over one year.
- Analysis of seasonal effects on fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and HDL cholesterol.
Main Results:
- Significant seasonal effects were noted for fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and HDL cholesterol (p < 0.003).
- Plasma fibrinogen concentrations were 23% higher in winter compared to summer and negatively correlated with body and environmental temperatures.
- Individuals in institutional settings showed greater plasma fibrinogen fluctuations than community dwellers.
Conclusions:
- The substantial seasonal variation in plasma fibrinogen concentration significantly elevates the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in the elderly during winter.
- Environmental and core body temperatures appear to influence plasma fibrinogen levels.
- Living conditions (institutional vs. community) may impact seasonal fibrinogen changes.
Abstract:
Mortality and morbidity in elderly people are higher in winter than in summer months, with seasonal variations in rates of both fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke. To identify factors that might contribute to the excess winter frequency of cardiovascular disease in the elderly, we studied 100 subjects aged 75 and over who lived in either their own homes or in sheltered or residential accommodation. Each person was visited each month for one year, body and environmental temperatures were noted, and cardiovascular risk factors were measured. 32 subjects withdrew from the study. Significant seasonal effects were found for fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and HDL cholesterol (p less than 0.003, Bonferroni adjustment). Plasma fibrinogen concentrations showed the greatest seasonal change and were 23% higher in the coldest six months compared with summer months. Fibrinogen was significantly (p less than 0.05) and negatively related to core body temperature and all measures of environmental temperature. Those living in institutions had greater changes in plasma fibrinogen than those living in the community. The seasonal variation in plasma fibrinogen concentration is large enough to increase the risk of both myocardial infarction and stroke in winter.
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