Cold snap sees 437 nontraumatic OHCA deaths in Taiwan since Jan. 1

Taipei, Jan. 11 (CNA) Two continental cold air masses have swept Taiwan since New Year's Day, during which 437 nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) deaths were reported as of Friday, with an emergency physician warning that the cold weather could increase health risks for individuals with chronic diseases.

From Jan. 1 to Friday, a total of 437 nontraumatic, internal medicine-related OHCA deaths were recorded, including 54 on Friday, statistics from the National Fire Agency showed.

During those 10 days, the island country was hit by two continental cold air masses, one arriving on Jan. 6 and the other sweeping in on Thursday, bringing the mercury down to around 10 degrees Celsius or lower across cities and counties in Taiwan over the past several days, according to the Central Weather Administration.

Chang Wei-tien (張維典), the acting director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at National Taiwan University Hospital, told the press on Saturday that cold temperatures or drastic weather changes often result in a rise in cardiovascular emergencies.

He added that although patients are admitted to the emergency department at all hours, clinical experience has shown that the most severe acute cases tend to occur in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest.

Chang urged individuals with cardiovascular diseases or related risk factors, particularly older adults, to take extra precautions during the early hours of the day.

Older adults, Chang explained, refers not only to those in their 60s and above but also to individuals in their 40s and 50s, as many in the latter age group are unaware of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia until a sudden temperature drop triggers an acute reaction.

Some cases involving individuals in their 40s and 50s even led directly to OHCA, leaving no time for intervention, he added.

Apart from individuals with cardiovascular conditions, Chang reminded those with cerebrovascular diseases or respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to exercise particular caution, noting that they are also susceptible to sudden acute cases during drastic weather changes.