Association of Snowfall and Myocardial Infarction

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Changes in the ambient temperature (esp. warm to cold) as well as exercise are triggers for vasospasms and plaque rupture. Weather data (temperature, precipitation in general as well as snowfall and changes in atmospheric pressure) will be correlated with the incidence of myocardial infarctions.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Besides classical cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes there are also acute factors potentially triggering acute coronary events. The impact of air temperature (changes) or humidity are of potential relevance. In addition, exercise and the associated increase in oxygen demand of the myocardium and blood pressure is another trigger for plaque rupture and the acute onset of myocardial infarction. Male patients as well as patients with previous coronary heart disease or little regular exercise are at increased risk. Possible additional mechanisms of exercise induced myocardial infarction are vasospasm and changes in blood clotting. Changes in the ambient temperature (warm to cold) can also induce vasospasm which might result in reduced perfusion and plaque rupture. It seems that male patients are more involved than female patients. Taking the exercise and the ambient temperature changes into consideration, heavy snowfall with consecutive snow shoveling is an augmented risk for acute myocardial infarction. The rationale of the study is to test if the above mentioned constellation of environmental factors as well as potential increased exercise have a significant and independent impact on the incidence of myocardial infarctions

Official Title
-----------------
Association of Snowfall and Myocardial Infarction

Conditions
-----------------
Acute Myocardial Infarction

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: snowfall > 5cm/day


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: myocardial infarction being confirmed or treated in the cathlab Exclusion Criteria: none

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 99 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| snowfall >5cm/d<br>impact of snowfall and its correlation with acute myocardial infarctions is analyzed. Other precipitation (rainfall) changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature will be variables to be corrected for. | Other: snowfall > 5cm/day<br>* the number of myocardial infarctions of every day analysed in this study will be correlated with the respective values of snowfall<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| myocardial infarction | the number of myocardial infarctions of every day analysed in this study will be correlated with the respective values of snowfall | 1 day |