Ambient Temperature and Acute Coronary Syndrome to Emergency Room Admissions in Taiwan

Abstract

P-494 Abstract: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important public health problem in the world. There is a considerable seasonal fluctuation in the incidence of ACS and climatic temperature may have an impact on the onset of the disease. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between mean of daily temperature, variation of daily temperature and emergency room (ER) admissions for ACS in an ER in Taichung City, Taiwan. A longitudinal study was conducted and assessed the correlation the average daily temperature and variation of daily temperature to ACS admissions to the ER of the city's largest hospital. Daily ER admissions for ACS and ambient temperature were collected from January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2003. The Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was used in the analysis. After adjusting for the effects of holiday, season, and air pollutants, the results showed that there was a negative significant association between average of daily temperature and ACS admissions. The mean daily temperature played an important role in ACS morbidity. ACS admissions to the ER increased 30% to 70% when mean of daily temperature was lower than 26.2°C. A positive association between variation of daily temperature and ACS admissions was also noted. The ACS admissions increased 15% when variation of daily temperature was over 8.3°C. The data indicate that patients with cardiovascular disease must be made aware of the increased risk posed by lower temperature and larger temperature change. Hospitals and ERs should take into account the increased demand of specific facilities during colder weather and larger temperature variation.