Investigating the Impact of Heat Exposure on Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Milwaukee

Keywords: Heat Exposure, Cardiovascular Disease, Spatial Analysis, Medical Geography, Public Health.
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between heat exposure and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, specifically heart attacks, across census tracts in Milwaukee. Using data from Health Compass Milwaukee, the research will integrate spatial and statistical analyses to explore this association. The methodology will include Pearson correlation to measure the strength of relationships, multiple linear regression to identify key predictors, and spatial lag models to account for spatial dependencies. Additionally, Local Moran’s I will be used to detect spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis to identify high-risk clusters, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to assess geographic variations. The central hypothesis is that while heat exposure may contribute to heart attack rates, socio-demographic and health factors—such as age, income, obesity, and chronic hypertension—will play a more significant role. The study expects to reveal complex interactions among these variables, with spatial analyses highlighting the importance of local factors in shaping cardiovascular health outcomes. Potential limitations, including data sensitivity, spatial scale constraints, and the difficulty of establishing causality, will be carefully considered. Nevertheless, the findings will offer valuable insights for public health initiatives and the field of medical geography, contributing to strategies aimed at reducing heat-related health risks.