Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Slight decrease in temperature boosts heart attack risk: study

SENIOR citizens and people with heart conditions should wear layers in the winter and adequately heat their homes, as researchers say in a new study the measures could save lives.

A drop of 1 C in temperature leads to 200 extra heart attacks on a single day, suggests lead researcher Krishnan Bhaskaran of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

"We see it's important that doctors need to remind people of common sense. When temperatures are going down, people need to wear warmer clothing, spend less time outdoors and to properly heat their homes, especially for the elderly who are more at risk," Bhaskaran said.

In one of the largest population-based studies on heart attacks, Bhaskaran and a team of scientists examined more than 84,000 heart attack patients between 2003 and 2006 and compared daily temperatures in England and Wales during that time. Results showed that as temperatures dipped by 1 C, heart attacks increased by two per cent.

Bhaskaran said the two per cent increase may seem minute but the climb translates to 200 extra incidents daily in the U.K., where there are about 146,000 heart attacks per year.

 

-- Postmedia News

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 11, 2010 A2

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Follow

  1. WFP Hockey

    Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates

  2. Editor's Bulletin

    Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand

  3. Winnipeg Jets

    All things NHL on our Jets landing page

  4. Twitter

    Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter

  5. News Cafe

    Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events

  6. Facebook Fanpage

    Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Should infants be allowed in the House of Commons?

View Results

View Related Story