Changes in Temperature, Dew Point Linked to Stroke
Low temperatures, large changes in temperature within a day, and a higher average dew point are all associated with increased stroke hospitalizations, a new study suggests.
While previous studies have shown higher stroke rates during winter months vs other seasons, this study finds that regardless of these seasonal effects, colder temperatures seem to drive increased stroke hospitalizations.
“I think what this indicates for us is that meterologic factors could be triggers for acute stroke events, but clearly additional research is needed to understand what are the underlying mechanisms,” said lead author Judith Lichtman, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut. “I think if we can understand the reasons for the associations, then this could potentially lead to targeted preventive interventions for those at risk.”
Dr. Lichtman presented the results here at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference (ISC) 2014.
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