In:
Journal of the American Heart Association, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 3, No. 3 ( 2014-05-22)
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal impact of the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami on the incidence of sudden cardiac and unexpected death ( SCUD ). Methods and Results We surveyed the impact of the disaster on the incidence and clinical characteristics of SCUD in Iwate. To perform complete identification of SCUD for 8 weeks before and 40 weeks after the disaster, medical records and death certificates relevant to SCUD were surveyed in the study area. Compared with the previous year's rate, the incidence (per 10 000 person‐year) of SCUD for the initial 4 weeks after the disaster (acute phase) was double (33.5 vs 18.9), and thereafter the rate returned to the previous level. Significant relationships were found between weekly numbers of SCUD and seismic activity (intensity, r =0.43; P 〈 0.005: frequency, r =0.46; P 〈 0.002). The standardized incidence ratio ( SIR ) of SCUD in the acute phase was significantly increased compared with that of previous years (1.71, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.16). Increased SIR s were predominantly found in female subjects (1.73, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.37), the elderly (1.73, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.27), and residents living in the tsunami‐stricken area (1.83, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.46). In addition, SIR s for weekdays (1.71, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.24) and nights‐mornings (2.09, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.86) were amplified. Conclusions The present results suggest that the magnitude of a disaster, related stress, and population aging may cause a temporary increase in the incidence of SCUD with amplification of ordinary weekly and circadian variations.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2047-9980
DOI:
10.1161/JAHA.114.000798
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2014
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2653953-6
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