[The influence of weather conditions on the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation]. / Wpllyw warunków atmosferycznych na wystepowanie napadowego migotania przedsionków.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED The effect of the changing weather conditions on the incidence of the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has not been documented before. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analysis retrospectively assessed the influence of the weather conditions on 1153 PAF cases over the period of 10 years. The average age of the studied population was 64.9 +/- 9.2 years. There was 60% males in the group. The majority (84%) had an existing heart disease, the remaining part was diagnosed as the lone PAF. RESULTS: The following factors favoured the FAP occurrence high air temperature (> 25 Centigrade) for more than 3 days, low temperature (< 8 Centigrade), water vapor pressure > 16.5 kPa, accelerated increase of the air pressure > 8hPa over 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: The following weather conditions such as temperature, air humidity and pressure have a definite impact on the occurrence of the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes in 87% of patients especially those with co-existing coronary heart disease, hypertension or older age.