Related Experiment Videos
Triggering of stroke by ambient temperature variation: a case-crossover study in Maputo, Mozambique
Joana Gomes1, Albertino Damasceno2, Carla Carrilho3
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Public Health, University of Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|January 7, 2015
Summary
Sudden drops in minimum temperature over consecutive days were linked to first-time stroke events, particularly hemorrhagic strokes. This temperature-related stroke trigger was more pronounced in individuals without common risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public health
Background:
- Ambient temperature is a potential environmental trigger for cerebrovascular events.
- The relationship between temperature variations and stroke incidence may differ based on stroke type and individual risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ambient temperature fluctuations and stroke occurrence.
- To analyze this association by stroke subtype (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic) and patient risk factor status.
Main Methods:
- A case-crossover study design was employed using a 1-year hospital admission registry in Maputo, Mozambique.
- 593 incident stroke cases (ischemic and hemorrhagic) were analyzed.
- Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate humidity- and precipitation-adjusted odds ratios comparing the 7 days before stroke to control periods.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between minimum temperature declines (>2.4 °C over two consecutive days) and first stroke events (OR=1.43).
- This association was stronger for hemorrhagic stroke (OR=1.50) and in individuals without traditional stroke risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation).
- No significant difference in temperature effect was observed based on 28-day vital status post-stroke.
Conclusions:
- Declines in minimum daily temperature in the preceding week act as a trigger for first-time stroke events.
- Hemorrhagic stroke appears particularly sensitive to these temperature changes.
- The findings highlight the role of short-term environmental exposures in precipitating stroke, especially in vulnerable populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
3
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
3
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
1.6K
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
1.6K
01:27Regulation of Stroke Volume
8.1K
The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
8.1K