Winter mortality in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
In this epidemiological study we have studied during 1997 in Emilia-Romagna (population about four million) Italy, mortality from ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular and respiratory disease in 50-89 year-olds. The data were collected from "Ufficio Risorse Informative" and "servizio Meteorologico" of the Emilia-Romagna region. The results show high indices of deaths in the elderly, the highest being those of the 80-89 year-olds, during the winter with a maximum in January. There were some differences between males and females with regard to cold-related mortality of the different diseases. Comparing mortality rates of persons living in the North (Piacenza) and in the South (Rimini) of Emilia-Romagna, a consistent lower mortality was found in the people of Rimini. These results confirm the close relationship between advanced age, cold and excess mortality in Emilia-Romagna. The results suggest that at least two factors may be involved in explaining excess winter mortality: the sympathetic system changes in the elderly and the effects of cold on some haemostatic factors.
Cordioli
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Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Cardioangiologia, Epatologia Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Pizzi
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Martinelli
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D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons