Natural disasters have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality. In the Miyagi area, near the epicenter of an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, we analyzed the number of appearances from cardiovascular causes during the months of February to June 2011 and compared them with the same interval during the years 2008-2010.
In the 2011 period, there were a greater number of presentations pro heart failure, acute coronary syndromes and ventricular tachycardia. After this period, there was a marked reduction in cardiovascular events. A thorough investigation into the causes of the increase in these events will certainly help to prevent them after future natural catastrophes.
Hiroaki Shimokawa
2012-08-27
Original title: The Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster and Cardiovascular Diseases.
