Ambient temperature anomalies induce electrocardiogram abnormalities: Findings from a nationwide longitudinal study
1State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China; Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
Environmental Research
|December 21, 2023
Summary
Ambient temperature fluctuations, measured as temperature anomaly (TA), increase the risk of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and myocardial ischemia. Regular ECG tests can serve as an early warning for these adverse health effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) outcomes reflect cardiovascular changes.
- Temperature fluctuation is a known cardiovascular disease risk factor, but its link to ECG outcomes is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between temperature anomaly (TA) and the risk of ECG abnormalities.
- To quantify the impact of temperature fluctuations on cardiovascular health indicators.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study using repeated ECG records from the China National Stroke Screening Survey (2013-2019).
- Daily temperature data assimilated from in situ, satellite, and weather model simulations.
- Generalized estimating equations used to analyze the association between TA and ECG abnormalities, controlling for autocorrelation.
Main Results:
- An increase in TA was associated with a higher risk of ECG abnormalities (OR=1.009) and myocardial ischemia (OR=1.061).
- Associations were more pronounced in Northern China.
- A U-shaped exposure-response curve was observed, with sudden warming increasing risks and sudden cooling increasing atrial fibrillation risk.
Conclusions:
- Ambient temperature fluctuations, indicated by TA, elevate the risk of ECG abnormalities and myocardial ischemia.
- Individual characteristics can modify these adverse effects.
- Regular ECG monitoring may serve as an early warning system for temperature-related cardiovascular risks.
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