Mortality and admissions for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases after the Accumoli-Amatrice 2016 earthquake

PMCID: PMC12176150

PMID: 40531917

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326242

Journal: PloS one

Publication Date: 2025-6-18

Authors: Cadeddu C, Nurchis MC, Castagna C, Sapienza M, Messina R, et al.

Key Points

• Earthquake exposure was associated with a statistically significant increase in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality
• AMI events increased by 30% in the year following the earthquake (Observed/Expected ratio = 1.3)
• Natural disasters may have substantial short-term impacts on cardiovascular health, particularly for older populations

Summary

This retrospective study investigated the impact of the 2016 Accumoli-Amatrice earthquake on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (CCVD) mortality and hospitalizations, with a specific focus on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Using a difference-in-differences regression model, researchers compared the 17 most earthquake-affected municipalities with a control group to assess changes in health outcomes in the year following the natural disaster.

The analysis revealed a significant increase in AMI-related mortality, with an estimated +1.7 cases per 10,000 population in the earthquake-affected area. Notably, hospital admissions for AMI also showed a notable increase, particularly among individuals aged 60-79 years. The observed/expected ratio for AMI events was 1.3 (p=0.01), indicating a statistically significant rise in cardiovascular events in the earthquake-impacted region.