RESUMO
Heat waves present an increasing threat to population's health; there is increased activity in terms of research and preventive measures since the heat waves in 2003. This is the first narrative review of studies on heat wave-associated mortality in Germany. The review and critical evaluation includes 12 studies. Notable differences in the research methodology were observed. Scientific knowledge on heat wave-associated mortality in Germany is insufficient. So far, most studies have focused on large cities or states/provinces. However, risk assessments play an important role in deciding upon and planning of preventive measures.
Assuntos
Doenças Cardiovasculares/mortalidade , Clima , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/mortalidade , Temperatura Alta , Transtornos Respiratórios/mortalidade , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Comorbidade , Feminino , Alemanha/epidemiologia , Humanos , Incidência , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Risco , Taxa de Sobrevida , Adulto JovemRESUMO
In Freiburg and Rostock, heatwaves were compared to control periods for the years 2003/2005. In Freiburg, a long heatwave in 2003 cost 21 lives (equal to a significant excess mortality of 33 %). No or no significant excess mortalities were found for shorter heatwaves in Freiburg and for Rostock. The detection of heat-related mortality depends on the size of the cities (population) and the heatwave characteristics.