Abstract
BackgroundSeasonal patterns in cardiac disease in the northern hemisphere are well described in the literature. More recently age and gender differences in cardiac mortality and to a lesser extent morbidity have been presented. To date spatial differences between the seasonal patterns of cardiac disease has not been presented. Literature relating to seasonal patterns in cardiac disease in the southern hemisphere and in Australia in particular is scarce. The aim of this paper is to describe the seasonal, age, gender, and spatial patterns of cardiac disease in Melbourne Australia by using acute myocardial infarction admissions to hospital as a marker of cardiac disease.ResultsThere were 33,165 Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) admissions over 2186 consecutive days. There is a seasonal pattern in AMI admissions with increased rates during the colder months. The peak month is July. The admissions rate is greater for males than for females, although this difference decreases with advancing age. The maximal AMI season for males extends from April to November. The difference between months of peak and minimum admissions was 33.7%. Increased female AMI admissions occur from May to November, with a variation between peak and minimum of 23.1%. Maps of seasonal AMI admissions demonstrate spatial differences. Analysis using Global and Local Moran's I showed increased spatial clustering during the warmer months. The Bivariate Moran's I statistic indicated a weaker relationship between AMI and age during the warmer months.ConclusionThere are two distinct seasons with increased admissions during the colder part of the year. Males present a stronger seasonal pattern than females. There are spatial differences in AMI admissions throughout the year that cannot be explained by the age structure of the population. The seasonal difference in AMI admissions warrants further investigation. This includes detailing the prevalence of cardiac disease in the community and examining issues of social and environmental justice.
Highlights
Seasonal patterns in cardiac disease in the northern hemisphere are well described in the literature
International Journal of Health Geographics 2008, 7:42 http://www.ij-healthgeographics.com/content/7/1/42 ies suggest that the influence of age on seasonal variation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) mortality and morbidity becomes important from age 55 years onwards
Over the last decade hospital admissions for coronary heart disease have been influenced by changes in diagnostic technology that has lowered the threshold for defining AMI events [18]
Summary
Seasonal patterns in cardiac disease in the northern hemisphere are well described in the literature. Studies have examined the differences in age and gender distributions in AMI mortality and morbidity [14,15,16,17]. Over the last decade hospital admissions for coronary heart disease have been influenced by changes in diagnostic technology that has lowered the threshold for defining AMI events [18]. This may contribute to overall numbers of admissions it is unlikely to be seasonally related
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