How Climate Affects Emergency Department Visits for Fainting
Author Information
Author(s): Galli Andrea, Barbic Franca, Borella Marta, Costantino Giorgio, Perego Francesca, Dipaola Franca, Casella Francesco, Duca Pier Giorgio, Diedrich Andrè, Raj Satish, Robertson David, Porta Alberto, Furlan Raffaello
Primary Institution: Emergency Department, Vimercate Hospital, Vimercate, Milan, Italy
Hypothesis
The increase of air temperatures from January to July would be accompanied by an increased rate of syncope resulting in a higher frequency of Emergency Department visits.
Conclusion
Emergency Department visits for syncope were not predicted by daily maximum temperature but were associated with increased temperature variability.
Supporting Evidence
- ED visits for syncope were lower in June and July when maximal temperature variability declined.
- There was no correlation between daily maximum temperatures and number of syncope.
- Maximal temperature variability showed significant oscillations with periods of approximately 7 days.
Takeaway
When it gets hotter, people don't visit the hospital for fainting as much; it's actually the changes in temperature that matter more.
Methodology
The study analyzed 770 patients seen for syncope at four Emergency Departments between January and July 2004, using spectral techniques to assess temperature and syncope variability.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to patients not seeking emergency care for syncope during hotter months.
Limitations
The study did not account for other environmental factors like humidity and wind speed that could affect syncope occurrence.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"mean":51,"age_groups":{"18-44":250,"45-65":308,">75":212}},"gender":{"women":431,"men":339}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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