Heatwaves mortality according to specific causes in Argentinian cities (2005-2019)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Heatwaves represent a substantial global health threat, impacting human morbidity and mortality.
• Understanding the specific mortality risks associated with heatwaves is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the mortality risk linked to heatwaves (HWs) in 21 Argentine cities from 2005 to 2019.
• To analyze mortality patterns for cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal causes during heatwave periods and their subsequent lags.

Main Methods:

• Ecological observational epidemiological study utilizing a time series approach.
• Generalized additive models were employed to analyze data from the Ministry of Health and National Meteorological Service.
• Focused on deaths attributed to cardiovascular (ICD10: I00-I99), respiratory (J00-J99), and renal (N00-N99) causes.

Main Results:

• A significant rise in mortality for analyzed causes was observed in 15 out of 21 cities during heatwaves and their temporal lags.
• Cardiovascular deaths increased in 13 cities, respiratory in 10, and renal in 7 cities.
• Mortality increases were documented across all regions, including Patagonia.

Conclusions:

• The study findings underscore the significant health burden imposed by heatwaves on vulnerable populations.
• Results can inform the development of targeted public health policies for heatwave preparedness and mitigation.