Multivariate analysis of the effect of climatic factors on the probability of cerebral infarction according to age.

This study investigates the effects of: the mean daily air temperature; the mean daily atmospheric pressure; and the temperature evolution (cooling, stable or reheating) on the probability of cerebral infarction. Data were collected during a three-year period in a country with a mild, maritime temperate climate. In men younger than 70, the probability of cerebral infarction mainly depends on temperature. Temperature is also the main statistically significant factor affecting the rate of cerebral infarction in women under 75; this effect is modulated by temperature evolution. Conversely, no clear effect of climatic factors could be found either on men older than 70 or women older than 75.