Changes in ischemic stroke occurrence following daylight saving time transitions.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Circadian rhythm disruption is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS).
• Daylight saving time (DST) transitions alter circadian rhythms and diurnal stroke patterns, but their impact on IS incidence remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between DST transitions and ischemic stroke (IS) hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality.
• To determine if DST transitions affect the incidence of IS.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide study in Finland examined IS hospitalizations and mortality from 2004-2013, focusing on periods following DST transitions.
• Hospitalizations in the week after DST transition were compared to expected rates calculated from periods before and after the transition.

Main Results:

• Ischemic stroke hospitalizations increased significantly in the first two days post-transition (RR 1.08).
• This effect diminished when considering the entire week following the transition (RR 1.03).
• Specific increases were noted on the second (Monday) and fifth (Thursday) days after the transition. Women, individuals over 65, and those with malignancy showed heightened susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• DST transitions are associated with a temporary increase in IS hospitalizations, primarily in the initial two days.
• The risk of ischemic stroke following DST transitions may be influenced by factors such as gender, age, and comorbid conditions like malignancy.