부산대학교 도서관

This study aimed to assess seasonal stroke risks related to temperature and PM_(2.5) in Taiwan. Using data of the Taiwan Stroke Registry and air pollution monitored in 2006-2017, the researchers estimated daily average ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes according to temperature and PM_(2.5) levels, evaluating stroke risks by categorizing PM_(2.5) levels in each temperature zone. The results revealed a higher incidence of ischemic strokes in February and a higher incidence of hemorrhagic strokes in January, both decreased to the lowest in July. The study found that incident strokes increased with the PM_(2.5) level in each temperature zone except for the 30+°C stratum. The highest incidence of ischemic strokes appeared at PM_(2.5) greater than 37.0 μg m^(-3) during 20-24°C, whereas the highest incidence of hemorrhagic strokes appeared at PM_(2.5) greater than 37.0 μg m^(-3) at less than 15°C. No adjusted RRs of strokes were significantly associated with PM_(2.5) in all temperature zones after controlling for sex, age, BMI, smoking and drinking. We conclude that stroke incidence decreases as the weather gets warmer, whereas PM_(2.5) pollution may have little effect on stroke incidence. It is essential to keep warm during cold days.