Yet another study confirms the increased heart risk due to cold weather spells.
The study reviewed Catalonia emergency room admissions of those with cardiovascular events during both heat waves and cold waves. The total number of heart incidents was substantially higher during periods of cold versus warm/hot weather.
Per the study's analysis:
"...they used the self-controlled case series statistical methodology to assess the relative incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hospitalizations during the hot and cold waves in comparison to reference time periods with normal temperature exposure. Heat waves were defined as a period of at least 3 days in July and August in which the daily maximum temperatures were higher than the 95th percentile of daily maximum temperature for those two months. Cold waves were similarly defined as periods of at least 3 days in January and February when daily minimum temperatures were lower than the 95th percentile of daily minimum temperatures for those two months. IRRs were adjusted for age, time interval and air pollution. The number of hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diseases during January and February over the period of study was 22,611, whereas there were only 17,017 during July and August."
The red outline rectangle in the above image reveals the much reduced number of cardiovascular events during warmer weather.
Couple the increased cardiovascular incidence during the cold months along with the increased incidence of influenza/colds/pneumonia during the same periods, it becomes overwhelmingly obvious that any type of global climate warming brings welcome relief from major health concerns and potential death due to the hands of colder temperature weather.
"And this being the case, perhaps we should all pray for a little global warming."
Additional peer-reviewed studies regarding health benefits of warmer weather and climates.