Cardiovascular mortality in northwestern Russia in relation with geomagnetic disturbances

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the impact of natural (geomagnetic disturbances), socioeconomic and man-made factors on mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Northwestern Russia. Data from 9057 CVD deaths in Kirovsk town (Kola Peninsula, 67.6 N, 33.7 E) were analyzed with respect to seasons of the year from 1948 to 2010. Total male CVD deaths showed three significant peaks in May, September and winter. The May maximum was dominant for all males, except for the oldest age (≥70 years) group and seemed to be caused by emotional and physical effects of increased hormones in spring. Total female CVD deaths showed two significant maxima in autumn and winter and one insignificant spring peak. Seasonal distribution of the moderate (50<Ap<100 nT) magnetic had a bimodal pattern with spring and autumn peaks. This bimodal pattern of seasonal variation is also present in the female and male oldest age (≥70 years) groups. Multi-Taper-Method (MTM) spectral analysis revealed periods of ~9-10 years, ~4.7 years and ~2.3 years at confidence level of ≥90%. These periods seem to coincide with the main cycles of variations of the aa-index of geomagnetic activity. There is no significant association of air pollution and CVD mortality at the region.