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A new factor influencing the development of myocardial infarction has been identified
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
American cardiology experts have discovered a connection between strong daily fluctuations in ambient temperature and an increased risk of heart attack. And if we consider that frequent temperature changes and extreme daily weather changes are related to global warming processes, then this issue will soon be more relevant than ever before.
For several years now, cardiologists have been insisting that sudden changes in atmospheric temperature have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system: cold weather is the most dangerous factor for heart health. Many studies have been conducted on this topic. However, scientists have not yet taken one nuance into account: during their experiments, they took into account the general indicators of average daily temperature. A new study has proven that a sharp drop in air temperature is directly related to an increase in the incidence of myocardial infarction. The demonstrative work was conducted by specialists representing the cardiology department of the University of Michigan.
"The body is equipped with special mechanisms that react to any temperature fluctuations. However, rapid and extreme changes still lead to stress, which can negatively affect a person's health," explains one of the project's leaders, Hedwig Anderson.
The study involved data from 30,000 patients treated at 45 Michigan hospitals over six years. Each participant had a heart attack and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, a procedure used to restore blood flow in blocked arteries.
The specialists determined the air temperature readings that were recorded immediately before each heart attack. They primarily took into account temperature fluctuations – that is, the difference between the highest and lowest readings recorded on the day of the heart attack.
The results showed that an average daily temperature difference of more than 12°C increases the risk of a coronary attack by 5%. This relationship was especially clear against the background of a sharp cold snap. That is, when a warm day suddenly gets colder by 12 or more degrees, you need to pay close attention to how you feel.
Experts are not sure that it is the temperature jump that causes the attack, but it may well play the role of a provoking factor. If the patient is also a smoker, has problems with blood pressure or cholesterol levels, then he should be especially careful during periods of temperature fluctuations.
The progress and results of the study were presented at the 67th scientific conference organized by the American School of Cardiology.
More information about the project can be found on the website Eurekalert.org.
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