New study: Cold weather may signal a rise in cardiac arrest cases

A new study by Hungarian researchers shows that cold weather may serve as a warning signal for an increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. According to the study, meteorological data could help predict periods of higher risk, up to three days in advance.

The researchers analyzed more than 114,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest recorded in Hungary from November 2018 to December 2023.

The results showed that every one-degree Celsius drop in average temperature was linked to a rise of about 1.4% in daily cases.

Nearly 18% more cardiac arrest cases were also recorded in winter compared to summer.

According to the researchers, not only low temperatures but also rapid changes in weather can have an impact. A temperature drop of more than 5 degrees Celsius within a single day could serve as a warning signal.

Another important finding is that the effect may not appear immediately, but up to three days later.

The researchers estimate that such forecasting systems could help ambulances and hospitals prepare for larger patient flows, while people with cardiovascular problems could take extra care during periods of increased risk.