The birth month determines the risk of illness

Time of birth may indicate an increased health risk
While some people only catch cold, other people seem to be more prone to cardiovascular disease. And others are almost never sick. But where do these differences come from? The month of birth could possibly have an influence on the risk of illness. Scientists at New York's Columbia University have come to this conclusion as part of a large-scale study.

US researchers evaluate data from 1.7 million people
Does the birth month affect our health? Apparently, according to a study by Columbia University. Accordingly, it has been shown that some diseases correlate well with the season of birth, so the announcement of the University. A research team had analyzed the data of 1.7 million people born between 1900 and 2000 for the large-scale project. In doing so, they examined whether or which of a total of 1688 illnesses occurred more often than average in certain months. They came to an interesting result, because in 55 diseases such. Cardiovascular disease, asthma or ADHD has actually been linked.

The birth month obviously has a lasting impact on our health. (Image: sunny33 / pixelio.de)

It was found that people born in March and April had an overall higher risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas those born in the autumn months were less susceptible. The researchers had z. For example, it detects a relationship between the month of birth in March and nine types of heart disease, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and mitral valve disorders.

ADHD incidence particularly high in the month of birth November
The attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however, the researchers were able to locate above average often in November children, according to the researchers, according to a previous Swedish study had revealed. Increased susceptibility to asthma is evident in those born in the months of July and October, whereas those born in winter and spring are less affected by the chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract.

However, respiratory diseases such as acute bronchitis would be more prevalent among those born in November, the report said. Overall, the study showed that the chances of good health were best for those who had their birthday in May, while those born in October had the highest risk of disease.

"This data could help scientists uncover new risk factors for disease," said study director Nicholas Tatonetti (PhD), an assistant professor of biomedical informatics at the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and the Columbia Data Science Institute. Nevertheless, according to the researchers, the results should not be overestimated, because instead of a "destiny by the stars", the external influences during and after childbirth are a significant factor in the development of certain diseases.

Diet and exercise have a greater impact on disease risk
"It's important not to be overly nervous about the results, because even if we found significant correlations, the overall overall disease risk is not so great," explains Nicholas Tatonetti. "The risk associated with the birth month is relatively low compared to other factors such as diet and exercise," said Tatonetti. It is now planned to replicate the study with data from various other locations in the US and abroad, to see how the results vary due to the change of seasons and environmental factors in the respective locations. (No)