The occurrence of acute myocardial infarction in relation to weather conditions

The spatial and temporal changes of weather factors depend on geographical location, seasons and the time of the day. Our study examines the relationships of meteorological factors and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with AMI between 2000 and 2004 in Hungary (n=81,956 patients) was carried out. Data were collected by the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (OEP) and the National Meteorology Service (OMSZ). A peak period of the occurrence of AMI was found during spring, while minimum number of events were recorded during summer. Significant difference was observed between the number of events each season (F=34.741; p<0.001; N=81,956). A medium level negative correlation was found between the monthly average temperature and the occurrence of AMI (r=-0.404) during the period examined. A positive correlation was shown between front movements and the number of events per season (r=0.053). Average barometric pressure changes, the number of front movements and the number of AMI events also showed a nearly similar seasonal deviation. Our findings show that certain meteorological factors may be related to the onset of AMI, however other factors also play an important role. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.