An Effect of 24-hour Temperature Change on Outpatient and Emergency and Inpatient Visits for Cardiovascular Diseases in Northwest China

Abstract Background: Some studies suggested 24-hour temperature change (TC24) was one of the potential risk factors for human health. However, evidence of the short-term effect of TC24 on outpatient and emergency department (O&ED) visits and hospitalizations for cause-specific cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is still limited. Objective: To explore the short-term effects of TC24 on O&ED visits and hospitalizations for CVDs in northwest China which is an area with large temperature variation.Method: The O&ED visits records for CVDs of 3 general hospitals and the inpatient records for CVDs of 4 general hospitals were collected from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016, in Jinchang City, northwest China. Meteorological and air pollution data were also obtained during the same study period from local meteorological monitoring stations and environmental monitoring station, respectively. A generalized additive model (GAM) with Poisson regression was employed to analyze the effects of TC24 on O&ED visits and hospitalizations for CVDs. Results: V-shaped relationship were found between TC24 and O&ED visits and hospitalizations for CVDs including total CVD, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Stratified analysis showed that men and patients over 65 years old were more susceptible to temperature changes. Whether heating may modify the effects of TC24 on O&ED visits and hospitalizations for CVDs.Conclusion: TC24 can affect the O&ED visits and hospitalizations for CVDs in this study. This study provides useful data for policy makers to better prepare local responses to the impact of changes in temperatures on population health.