Meteorological Variables Associated with Stroke

To elucidate relationships between meteorological variables and incidence of stroke, we studied patients diagnosed with stroke after presenting to the emergency department (May 1, 2010-August 8, 2011). Patient demographics and medical data were reviewed retrospectively with regional meteorological data. Across 467 days, 134 stroke events were recorded on 114 days. On stroke days, maximum temperature (max T) and atmospheric pressure (AP) combined were a significant predictor of stroke (max T odds ratio (OR) = 1.014, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.003-1.026, and P = 0.04; AP: OR = 1.033, 95% CI = 0.997-1.071, and P = 0.02). When the patient could identify the hour of the stroke, average temperature (avg T) was significantly higher than nonstroke hours (18.2°C versus 16.16°C, P = 0.04). Daily fluctuations in AP and avg T also had significant effects on stroke incidence (AP: OR = 0.629, 95% CI = 0.512-0.773, and P = 0.0001; avg T OR = 1.1399, 95% CI = 1.218-606, and P = 0.0001). Patient age, stroke history, body mass index, ethnicity, and sex were further contributors to stroke risk. Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and certain physiological conditions likely play roles in weather-related stroke susceptibility. The mechanisms driving these associations are not fully understood.