Impact of lunar phase on outcomes following ST‐elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background There is a long‐held belief in the association between the full moon and extremes of human behaviour and adverse health consequences. Small‐scale studies are conflicting; however, most suggest no clear association between lunar phase and occurrence of acute coronary syndromes. Aims To evaluate the impact of the lunar phase, and in particular, the full moon phase, on the incidence and outcomes among ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We conducted a multi‐centre retrospective study from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry, including 7570 STEMI cases from six tertiary centres over a 12‐year study period in Victoria, Australia, and performed statistical analysis using Stata software. Primary outcomes studied were the incidence of STEMI, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and mortality at 1 and 5 years in cases of STEMI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention during the full moon between 2005 and 2017 in Victoria, Australia. Results This study demonstrated neither significant difference in STEMI incidence (P = 0.61) nor of major adverse cardiovascular events across all lunar phases. Subgroup analysis confirmed no difference in outcomes during the full moon compared to a composite of other lunar phases.Kaplan–Meier survival estimates showed similar 30‐day outcomes across lunar phases (P = 0.35) and when comparing full moon to a composite of other lunar phases (P = 0.45). Similarly, there was no significant difference in survival at 1 and 5 years between lunar phases (P = 0.68) or compared to the full moon phase (P = 0.51). Conclusions This study showed no significant difference in the incidence or cardiovascular outcomes and survival in patients with STEMI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention during the lunar phases.

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of the Relationship Between Lunar Month of Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and Treatment Options

“…However, through research, the lunar orbit has been found to have no correlation with the induction of labor and delivery of newborns (specifically single births and first births) [18][19][20] , menstrual cycles [21] , ED and ambulance call volumes, general inpatient and critical care admission rates [22] , postoperative nausea and complications [23] , prison inmate outbursts and assaults [24] , erratic or violent behaviors ('lunacy') [25,26] , the occurrence of cardiac disease exacerbation (angina, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure) [27] , the occurrence of trauma [28] , its severity, mortality, or length of hospital stay [29] , homicides [30] ; and suicides [31] and even dog bites [32] .…”

Revisiting an ancient legend: influence of the lunar cycle on occurrence of first‐ever unprovoked seizures

“…Lunar phases have been linked with many healthcare and medical variables, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fertility, acute coronary events and neuropsychiatric presentations; however, most studies do not show any association. 3,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Scientific underpinnings of the belief in lunar cycle influence are predominantly based on the moon's influence on night time brightness, lunar gravitational tides and the endogenous biological clock. 4,22 The full moon markedly increases illuminance, which may precipitate sleep deprivation and indirectly increase the risk of epileptic seizures.…”