January 1, 1987Circulation
Circadian variation in the frequency of sudden cardiac death.
Why the study?
Does sudden cardiac death exhibit a circadian rhythm?
Population
2203 individuals dying out of the hospital in Massachusetts in 1983, as indicated by death certificates
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
May warrant morning vigilance in high-risk patients; leaves open causal mechanisms and intervention targets.
Structured PICO
Does sudden cardiac death exhibit a circadian rhythm?
P
Population
2203 individuals dying out of the hospital in Massachusetts in 1983, as indicated by death certificates
O
Outcome
Time of day of sudden cardiac deathhard clinical
Sudden cardiac death exhibits a prominent circadian variation with a peak incidence between 7 and 11 A.M., similar to the pattern seen in nonfatal myocardial infarction.
Cite This Study
Muller et al. (1987) studied this question.