Health
Heatwaves linked to spikes in unexpected emergency room visits
A study of Chicago medical records reveals a rise in various injuries and illnesses on days reaching 92.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
The short version
- Researchers from Northwestern University analyzed nearly 916,000 emergency room and urgent care records in Chicago from 2011 to 2023.
- The study found that on days hitting 92.6 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, more than a dozen categories of illness and injury increased.
- Health risks observed during hot spells extended beyond standard heat stroke to include kidney issues, skin problems, and unexpected rises in external injuries.
Key facts
- The Northwestern University study, published in Science Advances, analyzed 916,404 emergency room and urgent care visits in Chicago between 2011 and 2023.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The research identified a rise in medical issues when outdoor temperatures reached 92.6 degrees Fahrenheit (33.7 degrees Celsius) or higher.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Increases were documented in over a dozen categories of illness and injury, including kidney complaints, skin problems, varicose veins, and marijuana-related mental health issues.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Accidental gunshot wounds recorded a greater than 30-fold jump on hot days compared to days under 92 degrees, and unspecified assault injuries also rose significantly.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Cardiovascular problems did not show a separate spike in this study, which researchers noted may be due to how medical cases are coded alongside kidney or fluid issues.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The study demonstrates a statistical association between high temperatures and specific medical admissions, but researchers emphasize this does not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship.[ABC News · Associated Press]