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To evaluate the all-cause (ICD-9 000-999) and cardiovascular diseases (ICD- 9 390-459) mortality risks associated with regional ambient temperatures in Taiwan between 2000 and 2008. Methods: We applied the distributed lag non-linear model to estimate the 8-day cumulative mortality risks associated with high temperatures during the hot season (May- October) and 26-day cumulative mortality risks associated with low temperatures during the cold season (November-April) in 7 study areas. Area cause-specific mortality risks were estimated in association with daily average temperatures at Z±1 and ±2 and by study season. Results: The mortality risks in Taiwan were greater from low temperatures than hot temperatures, especially for mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The mortality risk associated low temperatures was highest in the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli area, with relative risks of 2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-3.67) for all-cause and 4.09 (95% CI: 1.39-12.03) for cardiovascular diseases. High temperatures also elevated the all-cause mortality, but not cardiovascular diseases mortality, in the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan and Kaohsiung-Pingtung areas. In contrast, extremely high temperatures were associated with cardiovascular diseases mortality in the Hualien-Taitung area only. Conclusions: Cumulative all-cause and cardiovascular diseases mortality risks for high and low temperatures are various among regions in Taiwan. This study provides the reference for a temperature-health warning and response system for the local health authority in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have associated episodes of extremely high temperature and prolonged heat waves with increased risks in terms of mortality and morbidity. This study investigated the various health warning systems regarding heat waves that had been proposed by Western countries and reviewed worldwide publications and reports available from 2004 to 2012. Temperature-health associations should be identified before establishing a heat wave warning system. Patients with diabetes mellitus, renal diseases, disabilities, and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases are highly vulnerable to extremely high temperatures. A national weather system is expected to disseminate the heat warning accurately and in a timely fashion. The regional health authority is the lead agency responsible for public health responses to heat and the communication of risks to the public. Application of the temperature index and responses to heat wave warnings vary among areas depending on weather conditions and socio-demographic status. Based on our evaluation, a heat wave warning system would be expected to significantly reduce the impact on health from extremely high temperatures. Studies of temperature-health associations and heat wave warning systems should be established in Taiwan to mitigate the impact of global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]