Low climate-patterned temperature and cardiovascular disease: Worldwide trends and implications for public health policy

TL;DR

Colder climates are linked to higher rates of heart disease worldwide, especially in wealthier countries, suggesting temperature should be considered in public health strategies.

Contribution

This study identifies long-term mean temperature as a significant and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease incidence globally.

Findings

A significant inverse correlation exists between climate-patterned temperature and CVD incidence (r = −0.646, p < 0.001).

TMP remains a significant predictor of CVD after controlling for confounders like aging, GDP, and obesity.

The predictive effect of TMP on CVD is stronger in high-income countries compared to low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract

Short-term cold spells and heat events are commonly considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study quantitatively examined the effects of country-specific "climate-patterned temperature" (TMP), measured as long-term mean temperature, on global CVD incidence.

Recently published country-specific data on CVD incidence and TMP were analysed for statistical correlations at the population level using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Confounding effects of humidity, aging, GDP PPP, obesity prevalence, and urbanization were controlled. Fisher r-to-z transformation compared correlation coefficients.

Pearson's r and nonparametric analyses revealed a significant inverse correlation between TMP and CVD incidence worldwide (r = −0.646 and −0.574, respectively, p < 0.001). This relationship remained significant after controlling for confounders in a partial correlation model (r = −0.584, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression showed TMP as a significant and independent predictor of CVD incidence (Beta = −0.384, p < 0.001). Stepwise regression identified aging as the most influential factor (R2 = 0.591), with TMP and GDP PPP following, increasing R2 to 0.731 and 0.747, respectively. Humidity, obesity prevalence, and urbanization were not significant predictors. TMP had a stronger predictive effect on CVD incidence in high-income countries compared to low- and middle-income countries (z = 1.96 and 2.28 in Pearson's r and nonparametric models, respectively, p < 0.05).

Long-term lower mean temperature (TMP) is a significant and independent risk factor for CVD worldwide, particularly in developed countries. TMP should be considered in epidemiological studies of CVD.

•Lower average ambient temperatures link to higher rates of heart disease worldwide.•Cold climate impacts heart disease risk, even with lifestyle factors controlled.•Cold climates predict heart disease more strongly in wealthier countries.•Considering temperature can improve heart disease prevention in colder regions.

Lower average ambient temperatures link to higher rates of heart disease worldwide.

Cold climate impacts heart disease risk, even with lifestyle factors controlled.

Cold climates predict heart disease more strongly in wealthier countries.

Considering temperature can improve heart disease prevention in colder regions.

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