This illustration depicts the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx) and the increased risk of various cardiac arrhythmias. The study followed 442,386 participants over 13.8 years, identifying significant associations between higher pollution levels and increased incidence of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and conduction blocks. The graphs highlight the hazard ratios (HR) for arrhythmia risks associated with specific pollutant concentrations.
Newswise — Arrhythmias, a group of disorders that disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, can lead to serious health complications such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden death. The global prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, is on the rise, contributing to substantial health and economic burdens. While the cardiovascular dangers of air pollution are well-documented, the long-term effects of different pollutants on arrhythmia subtypes remain insufficiently explored. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial for advancing prevention and management strategies.
This study (DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.05.006), conducted by the Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, was published in Eco-Environment & Health on June 11, 2024. Leveraging data from the UK Biobank cohort of over 442,000 participants, the research examined the association between long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx and the incidence of various arrhythmias. The findings highlight the critical need to consider air pollution as a modifiable risk factor in arrhythmia prevention.
The study revealed that prolonged exposure to air pollutants, especially PM2.5, is linked to a higher risk of arrhythmias. A 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 corresponded to a 26% rise in the hazard ratio (HR) for arrhythmias, while NO2 and NOx increases were associated with 3% and 2% higher risks, respectively. The composite Air Pollution Score (APS), which aggregates exposure levels to these pollutants, indicated that individuals in the highest quintile of exposure faced significantly elevated risks of atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other less studied arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular premature beats. Notably, women, older adults, and those with preexisting conditions were particularly susceptible.
Dr. Renjie Chen, the study’s principal investigator, commented: “Our results underscore the critical public health implications of air pollution. The clear associations between air pollutants and a broad range of arrhythmias—not just atrial fibrillation—suggest that current preventative measures should be expanded to address broader cardiac risks. Reducing exposure to harmful pollutants could play a significant role in lessening the burden of these potentially severe heart conditions.”
The study highlights the pressing need for stringent air quality control measures, especially in densely populated urban areas where pollution exposure is highest. By curbing emissions of hazardous pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2, significant progress can be made in preventing arrhythmias and reducing related healthcare costs. Targeted public health strategies should focus on protecting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular conditions, to mitigate the far-reaching health impacts of air pollution.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2024.05.006
Funding information
This work was funded by National Key Research and Development Program (2022YFC3702701), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82030103 and 82373532), and Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology (21TQ015).
About Eco-Environment & Health (EEH)
Eco-Environment & Health (EEH) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal designed for publications on the frontiers of the ecology, environment and health as well as their related disciplines. EEH focuses on the concept of "One Health" to promote green and sustainable development, dealing with the interactions among ecology, environment and health, and the underlying mechanisms and interventions. Our mission is to be one of the most important flagship journals in the field of environmental health.
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