Daily variation in USA mortality

Abstract

Daily variation in each of several major causes of death in the United States during the period 1962-1966 is described by annual graphs showing deaths chronologically and by frequency distribution of deaths per day. The most significant sporadic factors affecting mortality in the 5 years studied appeared to be the influenza epidemic in 1963 and the unusually hot weather occurring in mid-1966. Deaths were also studied by day of the week and by holiday. Significant and consistent variations were found for violent deaths and those due to coronary heart disease.