Heart intertwined with clock gears and weather elements, symbolizing circadian rhythms and climate influence on heart health.

Decoding the Circadian Rhythm: How Time and Climate Impact Heart Health

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Groundbreaking research unveils the hidden connections between daily rhythms, seasonal changes, and the onset of heart attacks."

Our bodies operate on a roughly 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm, influencing everything from sleep patterns to hormone release. But what if these internal clocks, combined with the changing seasons and weather, could also affect our heart health? Recent studies are diving deep into these connections, revealing surprising links between time, climate, and cardiovascular events.

Infective endocarditis (IE), an infection of the heart's inner lining or valves, poses a significant health challenge. Recognizing the need for comprehensive data and collaborative research, the Infective Endocarditis Queensland (ieQ) initiative was established. This multidisciplinary effort aims to improve the understanding, treatment, and outcomes for individuals affected by IE. The foundation of ieQ lies in its registry and biobank, creating a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike.

This article delves into two key research areas: the establishment of the Infective Endocarditis Queensland registry and biobank, and the influence of circadian, seasonal, and climatic variables on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) onset and outcomes. We’ll explore how these initiatives contribute to advancing cardiac care and improving patient outcomes.

Infective Endocarditis Queensland: Building a Foundation for Better Heart Care

Heart intertwined with clock gears and weather elements, symbolizing circadian rhythms and climate influence on heart health.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition requiring specialized care and research. The Infective Endocarditis Queensland (ieQ) initiative, launched in 2017, represents a significant step forward in addressing this challenge in Australia. By creating a collaborative network of healthcare professionals and academics, ieQ aims to enhance the clinical care, research, and overall outcomes for individuals with IE.

At the heart of ieQ is its comprehensive registry and biobank. This resource collects a wide range of data, including patient demographics, treatment details, clinical outcomes, and biological samples. By linking this information, researchers can gain valuable insights into the factors that influence IE and identify potential targets for new therapies. The biobank stores blood, tissue, and microbial samples, providing a rich source of material for future research endeavors. The registry and biobank adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that patient data is handled with the utmost care and respect. Informed consent is obtained from all participants, and protocols are in place to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Ethical Framework: The first step was establishing a solid ethical framework to guide the collection and use of patient data.
Collaborative Network: A collaborative working group was formed, bringing together experts from various disciplines.
Biobank Infrastructure: Key infrastructure was put in place, including the purchase, installation, and custodianship of a biobank freezer.
Registry Platform: The registry platform was developed and deployed, providing a centralized system for data collection and management.

Looking ahead, ieQ is positioned to make significant contributions to the field of infective endocarditis research. The collaborative is set to commence patient recruitment in early 2018, marking a crucial step in building a comprehensive database. This infrastructure supports collaborative research, improving patient care and outcomes within the Australian context.

Unlocking the Secrets of STEMI: How Time and Climate Play a Role

Researchers analyzed data from 5,865 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI between 2005 and 2016. The findings revealed that STEMI onset occurred more frequently between 07:00 and 17:59 hours, aligning with daylight hours. While no significant differences were observed across seasons, months, or weekdays, the study identified associations between STEMI onset and variations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Lower atmospheric pressure at the time of STEMI onset was found to be an independent predictor of 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of the Infective Endocarditis Queensland (ieQ) initiative, and how does it improve patient outcomes?

The Infective Endocarditis Queensland (ieQ) initiative represents a significant advancement in managing Infective endocarditis (IE) in Australia. Launched in 2017, ieQ's primary goal is to enhance clinical care, research, and overall outcomes for individuals with IE. At its core is a comprehensive registry and biobank that collects patient data, treatment details, clinical outcomes, and biological samples. This resource enables researchers and clinicians to gain insights into the factors that influence IE and identify potential targets for new therapies. The collaborative network of healthcare professionals and academics facilitates improved patient care and outcomes within the Australian context by supporting research efforts.

How does the circadian rhythm influence heart health, and what is the relationship between time of day and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) onset?

The circadian rhythm, a roughly 24-hour internal cycle, profoundly impacts numerous bodily functions, including hormone release and sleep patterns. Recent studies suggest that this internal clock, combined with seasonal and climatic variations, may affect heart health. Research specifically indicates that STEMI onset occurred more frequently during daylight hours, between 07:00 and 17:59. This observation highlights a connection between the body's natural rhythms and the timing of cardiovascular events, implying that understanding these relationships could lead to improved prevention and care strategies for cardiovascular events.

What key infrastructure was put in place for the Infective Endocarditis Queensland initiative?

Several critical infrastructural components were established for the Infective Endocarditis Queensland (ieQ) initiative. Firstly, a solid ethical framework was created to govern the collection and usage of patient data, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. A collaborative working group was formed, assembling experts from various disciplines. Furthermore, critical infrastructure was built, including a biobank freezer for sample storage and preservation. Finally, a registry platform was developed and implemented to centralize data collection and management, streamlining research and enhancing clinical care for individuals with Infective Endocarditis (IE).

How did the study analyze the impact of time and climate on STEMI?

Researchers analyzed data from 5,865 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) between 2005 and 2016. They examined the correlation between STEMI onset and variables such as time of day, season, month, and weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The study found that STEMI onset occurred more frequently during daylight hours and revealed associations between STEMI onset and variations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. These findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and cardiovascular events.

What specific climatic factors were found to be associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) onset, and what implications do these findings have for patient outcomes?

The study identified several climatic factors linked to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) onset. While the study did not find correlations with seasonal changes, it uncovered associations with temperature, humidity, and, most notably, atmospheric pressure. The analysis showed that lower atmospheric pressure at the time of STEMI onset was an independent predictor of 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE). These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in managing cardiovascular events, potentially leading to more targeted prevention strategies and improved patient outcomes. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights for enhancing cardiac care.