Objective
An important source of mortality and morbidity, the incidence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is increased by definite risk factors. The need to establish the role of a comprehensive list of meteorological and air pollution parameters on STEMI is ongoing. Herein, we aimed to determine the role of several meteorological events and air pollution parameters on the rate of STEMI.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study was approved by the Baskent University Medical and Health Sciences Research Committee (Project No: KA 16/176; Date of approval: 26.04.2016). It included patients who presented to the Adult Emergency Department of Baskent University Ankara Hospital and who were diagnosed with STEMI between April 2011 and December 2015.
Results
During the 1709-day study window, 246 patients presented with STEMI. No significant correlation was found between weather events and STEMI incidence. According to a four-day lag analysis of the effects of meteorological variables on STEMI incidence, no significant differences existed between maximum, average and minimum air temperature and pressure levels. In contrast, minimum humidity was positively correlated to STEMI admission at lag2 (odds ratio [OR] 95%; confidence interval [CI] 0.986 [0.972–0.999]; p = 0.036). Among the air pollution parameters, only nitric oxide (OR 0.992; CI 95% [0.987–0.998]; p = 0.006) and nitrogen oxide (OR 0.994; CI 95% [0.990–0.999]; p = 0.010) were significantly correlated to STEMI incidence at lag2.
Conclusion
Our study clearly demonstrated that air pollution is correlated to increased STEMI admission. Believe that improving the environment and conducting preventive healthcare would reduce the incidence of STEMI.
}, number={3}, publisher={Keçiören Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi} }