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Published on: December 9, 2015
[Seasonal variation of acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile]
1Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Deaths from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile show a distinct seasonal pattern, with significantly more fatalities occurring during the winter months compared to summer. This finding highlights the importance of winter-related cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) exhibit increased incidence during winter.
- Understanding seasonal variations in mortality is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in deaths attributed to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile.
- To quantify the extent of seasonal patterns in AMI mortality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Chilean Ministry of Health death report databases from 2001-2016.
- Analyzed AMI deaths (ICD-10 codes I21, I22, I23) using a geometric sinusoidal model.
Main Results:
- A total of 93,349 corrected AMI deaths were recorded between 2001-2016.
- Winter accounted for 29.2% of AMI deaths, while summer had 21.8%.
- A significant sinusoidal pattern was observed, with a peak-to-low death ratio of 1.41 and peaks occurring in July for most years.
Conclusions:
- Acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile demonstrate a pronounced seasonal variation.
- Mortality peaks in winter and reaches its lowest point in summer, underscoring seasonal risk factors.
Background:
Hospitalization and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), have a peak in frequency during winter.
Aim:
To assess the existence of seasonal variation in deaths due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile.
Material And Methods:
Analysis of death report databases available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. The seasonality of deaths due to AMI (codes ICD-10 I21, I22, I23) occuring in Chile between 2001-2016 were analyzed using a geometric model assuming a sinusoidal cyclic pattern.
Results:
During the period 2001-2016, a total of 94,788 deaths due to AMI were registered, corresponding to 93,349 corrected deaths. Of the latter, 29.2% occurred in winter, 24.9% in spring, 24.0% in autumn and 21.8% in summer. The geometric model showed a marked sinusoidal pattern for the aggregated data. The peak-to-low ratio of deaths was 1.41 (95% CI 1.38-1.44). The peak of deaths occurred during July in 14 out of 16 years analyzed.
Conclusions:
In Chile, deaths due to AMI have a marked seasonal pattern, characterized by a higher number of deaths in winter and a lower number in summer.
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