Number of Heat Wave Deaths by Diagnosis, Sex, Age Groups, and Area, in Slovenia, 2015 vs. 2003

Background: Number of deaths increases during periods of elevated heat. Objectives: To examine whether differences in heat-related deaths between 2003 and 2015 occurred in Slovenia. Materials and Methods: We estimated relative risks for deaths for the observed diagnoses, sex, age, and area, as well as 95% confidence intervals and excess deaths associated with heat waves occurring in 2015 and 2003. For comparison between 2015 and 2003, we calculated relative risks ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Statistically significant in 2015 were the following: age group 75+, all causes of deaths (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.22); all population, circulatory system diseases (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.30) and age group 75+, diseases of circulatory system (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.34). Statistically significant in 2003 were the following: female, age group 5-74, circulatory system diseases (RR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.08-2.62). Discussion: Comparison between 2015 and 2003, all, circulatory system diseases (RRR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55); male, circulatory system diseases (RRR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.41-2.43); all, age group 75+ circulatory system diseases (RRR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.69); male, age group 75+, circulatory system diseases (RRR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.25) and female, age group 75+, circulatory system diseases (RRR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.89). Conclusions: Public health efforts are urgent and should address circulatory system causes and old age groups.