Bronte Wells
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a common health threat to adults in the US and other countries. It is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged or works inefficiently due to a lack of blood supply, often caused by atherosclerosis. While factors such as age, gender, race, diabetes, smoking, diet, hypertension, and serum cholesterol levels are important risk factors for IHD, air pollution is also a significant contributor. Studies have found a direct link between air pollution exposure and plaque buildup, with long-term exposure to particulate air pollution increasing the risk of IHD and death. Short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution may also trigger acute IHD events by increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How does air pollution cause ischemic heart disease | Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution contributes to pulmonary and systemic oxidative stress, inflammation, progression of atherosclerosis, and risk of ischemic heart disease and death |
| Short-term exposure may contribute to complications of atherosclerosis, such as plaque vulnerability, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events | |
| Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) are tiny particles with various compositions of noxious substances that cross the alveolar barrier and either destroy endothelial cells directly or act through endocrine disruption, causing acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease, and their risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes | |
| Research has shown that the higher the exposure level, the faster atherosclerosis progresses | |
| Air pollution is the known cause of over three million deaths every year due to ischemic heart disease or stroke |
What You'll Learn
- Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease
- Short-term exposure to air pollution can trigger acute ischemic events
- Air pollution increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Air pollution is associated with coronary artery calcification
- Air pollution is a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common health threat to adults in the US and other countries. It is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged or works inefficiently due to a lack of or reduced blood supply. IHD is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of atherosclerosis and, subsequently, ischemic heart disease. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), which originates from combustion and non-combustion sources such as industrial emissions, brake and tire wear, and wildfires, poses a significant risk to cardiovascular health. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and impact the cardiovascular system.
Research has found a direct link between long-term exposure to air pollution and accelerated cases of atherosclerosis. The higher the exposure level, the faster atherosclerosis progresses. This buildup of plaque in the arteries can lead to a variety of complications, including plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events.
Additionally, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PM2.5 is strongly correlated with deaths related to IHD, dysrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health is a growing global concern, with over three million deaths attributed to it annually.
To address this issue, organizations like the World Heart Federation are collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness, promote physical activity, and encourage governments to implement strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
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Short-term exposure to air pollution can trigger acute ischemic events
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common health threat to adults in the US and other countries. It is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged or works inefficiently due to a lack of or reduction in blood supply. IHD is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries.
Several studies have found a link between air pollution and IHD. Short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution may contribute to acute complications of atherosclerosis, such as plaque vulnerability, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events. These findings, while controversial, suggest that short-term exposure to air pollution can trigger acute ischemic events.
One study from the University of Washington, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air), found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The study also showed that higher exposure levels led to faster progression of atherosclerosis.
Another study, which analysed ischemic events in 12,865 patients in Utah, found that short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution may play a role in triggering acute ischemic heart disease events. The study suggested that short-term elevated PM exposures and related inflammation may contribute to acute complications of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and precipitation of acute ischemic events.
Additionally, several general population studies have found evidence that short-term exposure to PM air pollution can trigger myocardial infarction (heart attack). Increased short-term PM exposure has also been associated with ischemic stroke, ECG ST-segment depression, increased plasma viscosity, and changes in cardiac autonomic function.
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Air pollution increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Air pollution is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Ischaemic heart disease is one of the most common health threats to adults in the US and other countries. It is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged or works inefficiently due to a lack of blood supply, often caused by atherosclerosis.
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a well-known health risk, composed of various noxious substances. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, impacting the cardiovascular system. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to an increased risk of mortality from IHD, including dysrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. Research has also shown that short-term exposure to PM2.5 may trigger acute IHD events, such as myocardial infarction, by increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events.
Several mechanisms link air pollution to CVD and IHD. Firstly, air pollution contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and the progression of atherosclerosis. Secondly, air pollution may increase blood pressure, exacerbate myocardial ischaemia, and trigger myocardial infarction. Finally, air pollution is associated with coronary artery disease and its risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health is a growing global concern. According to the World Health Organization, more than 20% of all CVD deaths, or over three million deaths annually, are attributed to air pollution. This figure is expected to rise unless global actions are taken to improve air quality.
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Air pollution is associated with coronary artery calcification
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a common health threat to the adult population in the US and other countries. It is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged or works inefficiently due to a lack of or reduction in blood supply. IHD is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries, and includes angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, chronic IHD, and sudden death.
Several risk factors for IHD have been identified, including age, gender, race, diabetes, smoking, diet, hypertension, and serum cholesterol levels. However, air pollution exposure is also an important factor that should not be overlooked. Fine particulate matter in the air, known as PM2.5, has been linked to an increased risk of IHD and other cardiovascular diseases.
Recent studies have provided evidence that long-term exposure to particulate air pollution contributes to pulmonary and systemic oxidative stress, inflammation, and the progression of atherosclerosis, which can lead to IHD and death. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter may also trigger acute IHD events by increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events.
Additionally, air pollution is associated with coronary artery calcification, which is a strong marker of future ischemic events. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and traffic-related air pollution have been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery calcification, even in asymptomatic low-risk adults. This association was observed in a study conducted in six metropolitan areas in the USA, where increased concentrations of PM2.5 and traffic-related air pollution were associated with the progression of coronary calcification, consistent with the acceleration of atherosclerosis.
The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air) is an ongoing study that aims to further understand the link between air pollution and heart health. It has provided important evidence that long-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with atherosclerosis progression in the coronary arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular events and mortality.
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Air pollution is a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease
Air pollution is a significant risk factor for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. It is a growing global health concern, with nine out of ten people worldwide breathing polluted air. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 20% of cardiovascular disease deaths, amounting to over three million deaths annually, are caused by air pollution. This number is expected to rise unless global action is taken.
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), composed of tiny particles of various noxious substances, poses a well-known risk to public health. It originates from combustion and non-combustion sources, including industrial emissions, brake and tire wear, wildfires, and the burning of agricultural products and coal. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and impact the cardiovascular system. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to an increased risk of mortality from ischaemic heart disease, with higher exposure levels leading to faster progression of the disease.
Several studies have found a direct link between air pollution exposure and plaque buildup in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This buildup can lead to a reduced blood supply to the heart, resulting in acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. Short-term exposure to air pollution may also play a role in triggering acute events, such as myocardial infarction, by increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischemic events.
Additionally, air pollution has been suggested to increase blood pressure, exacerbate myocardial ischemia, and contribute to other risk factors for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. It is essential to monitor air quality and encourage actions that improve air quality to protect heart health and reduce the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is a known cause of ischaemic heart disease. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) are tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream and impact the cardiovascular system. Long-term exposure to air pollution can contribute to pulmonary and systemic oxidative stress, inflammation, and the progression of atherosclerosis, which is a common cause of ischaemic heart disease.
Particulate matter in air pollution can increase the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, thrombosis, and acute ischaemic events. It can also lead to increased plasma viscosity, changes in cardiac autonomic function, and vasculature alterations, all of which can contribute to ischaemic heart disease.
Yes, numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have found a link between air pollution and ischaemic heart disease. For example, a study by Pope et al. showed that long-term PM2.5 exposure was most strongly associated with mortality from ischaemic heart disease. Additionally, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air) found that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of heart attack.
Air pollution is a significant risk factor for ischaemic heart disease, and it is responsible for more deaths from ischaemic heart disease than traditional cardiac risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, or obesity. According to the World Health Organization, more than 20% of all cardiovascular disease deaths are caused by air pollution, resulting in over three million deaths each year.
