ROADSIDE RESIDENCE LEADS TO INCREASED HEART ATTACKS
Preliminary data presented at a major conference (EPI|NPAM 2010, the Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention and Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism 2010 Conference), has linked coronary atherosclerosis detected by angiography with traffic pollution. Individuals living within 100 m of a major roadway were more than three times as likely to have atherosclerotic lesions as those who lived farther away
Chronic exposure to air pollution has been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Several years ago, issued a scientific statement on air pollution and cardiovascular disease, reaching several conclusions. At the time, it concluded that short-term exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution significantly contributes to increased acute cardiovascular mortality, and prolonged exposure to pollution is a factor for reducing overall life expectancy.
the odds of angiographically detectable atherosclerosis, defined as >25% stenosis in any segment of the vessel, increased with decreasing residential distance to a major roadway (p=0.03 for trend). Compared with those who lived more than 200 m from the road, individuals who lived within 100 m were 3.13 times more likely to have detectable atherosclerosis.
an analysis of 939 individuals participating in the Normative Aging study, long-term exposure to traffic pollution was associated with an increase in blood pressure
Short-term exposure to ozone as a component of smog, at concentrations typical of many regions of the US, “is likely to contribute to premature deaths,” especially among people with chronic lung or heart disease or other risk factors, concludes an analysis [1] by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies, a private agency that advises the US government.
Air pollution may increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting arterial plaque rupture and thrombosis, Wellenius and colleagues write, possibly by triggering systemic inflammation, direct activation of thrombotic factors, or effects on the autonomic nervous system.
The American Heart Association has issued a scientific statement on air pollution and cardiovascular disease
Hospital admissions for several cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are increased in response to higher concentrations of particle pollution.
Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution is a factor in reducing overall life expectancy by a few years.
For example, European data suggest that around 40000 deaths per year in Austria, France, and Switzerland combined have been attributed to particulate matter, the statement says, and around one in 50 MIs were thought to be triggered by outdoor air pollution in one study from London.
Secondhand cigarette smoke is the single largest contributor to indoor air pollution when a smoker is present
people should be advised to exercise indoors on a day with high air pollution or wait until later in the evening, rather than being told to stop activity altogethertransient exposure to elevated concentrations of fine-particulate air pollution may trigger a heart attack.
these tiny particles “are so small that they can get past the normal defense mechanisms in the lungs and penetrate deeply into the alveoli.” This could lead to acute exacerbation of cardiovascular disease through pulmonary inflammation triggering systemic hypercoagulability.
The scientists say it might be possible in future to identify susceptible subgroups and develop pharmacological interventions to protect them from transient exposure to such pollution, such as that experienced during rush-hour traffic. But they concede that it is too early to predict what specific types of medical intervention might be effective and they stress that more research is needed to determine the exact mechanism by which inhaling fine particles can set off heart attacks.
Long-term exposure to air pollution poses a greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease than from respiratory ailments, researchers report in the December 15, 2003 rapid access issue of Circulation.1
Acute MI events reduced dramatically following the implementation of public smoking ban
Chicago, IL - The implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance is associated with a substantial and rapid reduction in hospital admissions for acute MI, according to a recent population-based study. Investigators found the number of hospital admissions declined 60% during the six months the smoking ban was in place
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New research shows air pollution increases cardiopulmonary mortality
London, UK - Two new studies published this week in the Lancet give new epidemiological evidence that combustion-related particulate air pollution is an important risk factor for cardiopulmonary mortality.
particulate air pollution may cause cardiovascular mortality by inducing pulmonary and systemic inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis, and altered cardiac autonomic function and that elevated exposure to particulate pollution has been associated with triggering of MI, initiation of life-threatening arrhythmias, changes in cardiac rhythm and autonomic function, endothelial dysfunction, increased plasma viscosity, and increased C-reactive protein levels.