Key result
The Northridge earthquake significantly increased sudden cardiac deaths to 24 on the day of the event, compared to a daily average of 4.6 in the preceding week (P<0.001).
Why the study?
Does exposure to an earthquake and its associated emotional stress trigger sudden cardiac death in predisposed individuals?
Observational
Does exposure to an earthquake and its associated emotional stress trigger sudden cardiac death in predisposed individuals?
Absolute Event Rate: 24% vs 4.6%
p-value: p=<0.001
Severe emotional stress from a major earthquake significantly triggers sudden cardiac death in individuals predisposed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Acute emotional stress may trigger sudden cardiac death; leaves open whether stress-reduction strategies warrant testing in vulnerable patients.
Leor et al. (1996) conducted an observational in Sudden cardiac death related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Northridge earthquake (emotional stress) vs. Preceding week and corresponding control periods in 1991-1993 was evaluated on Number of sudden deaths from cardiac causes related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per day (p=<0.001). The Northridge earthquake significantly increased sudden cardiac deaths to 24 on the day of the event, compared to a daily average of 4.6 in the preceding week (P<0.001).
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