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

Abstract

Background

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" (T_MP), measured as long-term mean temperature, on global CVD incidence.

Methods

Recently published country-specific data on CVD incidence and T_MP 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.

Results

Pearson's r and nonparametric analyses revealed a significant inverse correlation between T_MP 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 T_MP 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 T_MP and GDP PPP following, increasing R² to 0.731 and 0.747, respectively. Humidity, obesity prevalence, and urbanization were not significant predictors. T_MP 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).

Conclusions

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