A new factor that influences the development of myocardial infarction
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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American experts in the field of cardiology have discovered a correlation between strong daily fluctuations in ambient temperature and an increased risk of developing a heart attack. And if you consider that frequent temperature changes and extreme daily weather changes are related to global warming, then soon this issue will be relevant, like never before.
For several years, cardiologists have insisted that sudden changes in temperature conditions in the atmosphere negatively affect the state of the cardiovascular system: in this case, cooling is the most dangerous factor for heart health. A lot of research has been done on this topic. However, scientists have not considered a single nuance until now: during the experiments they took into account the general average daily temperature. A new study showed that a sharp drop in air temperature is directly related to an increase in the incidence of myocardial infarction. Demonstrative work was carried out by specialists representing the cardiology department of the University of Michigan.
"The body is equipped with special mechanisms that react to any temperature fluctuations. However, rapid and extreme changes still lead to stressful stress, which can adversely affect the state of human health, "explains one of the leaders of the project, Hedwig Anderson.
The research conducted by the scientists involved information on 30 thousand patients who for six years were treated in 45 hospitals in Michigan. Each of the participants was diagnosed with myocardial infarction, and each of them underwent the procedure of percutaneous coronary intervention - this operation is used to restore blood flow in occluded arteries.
The specialists determined the air temperature, which was recorded immediately before each episode of the infarction. First of all, temperature differences were taken into account - that is, the difference between the highest and the lowest level observed on the day of the infarction.
As a result, it was found that the average daily temperature difference of more than 12 ° C increases the risk of a coronary attack by 5%. This relationship was particularly clearly marked against the background of a sharp cold snap. That is, when on a warm day sharply cold by 12 or more degrees, then you need to listen very carefully to your well-being.
Specialists are not sure that it is the temperature jump that causes the attack, but it can play the role of provoking factor. If the patient simultaneously "sins" with smoking, has problems with pressure or cholesterol level, then he should be especially careful in the period of temperature fluctuations.
The course and results of the study were made public at the 67th scientific conference organized by the American Cardiology School.
More information about the project can be found on the Eurekalert.org website.
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