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