Air Pollution Can Be a Cause of Heart Failure

Roseous.com - Air Pollution Can Be a Cause of Heart Failure. Pollution is not only bad for lung health but also the heart. Scientists found that even people exposed to low levels of air pollution can experience changes in the structure of the heart, even similar to those seen in the early stages of heart failure.

 Air Pollution Can Be a Cause of Heart Failure

For every one additional microgram per cubic meter PM 2.5 - small particles of air pollution - and for every 10 micrograms additional per cubic meter of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the heart enlarges by about 1 percent, based on studies published in the Circulation journal in the UK.

"Although our study is observational and has not shown a causal relationship, we see significant changes in the heart, even at relatively low levels of air pollution exposure," said one researcher Nay Aung of Queen Mary University of London.

For this study, the researchers looked at data from about 4,000 participants in the Biobank study in the UK, where volunteers provided various personal information, including their lifestyle, their health records, and details about where they lived.

Participants also conducted blood tests and health scans, heart resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) was used to measure the size, weight and function of the hearts of the participants at certain times. The team found a clear association between those who lived near busy and busy roads, and those exposed to nitrogen dioxide or PM2.5 and greater right and left ventricular development in the heart.

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Ventricular is an important pumping chamber in the heart and although these participants are healthy and have no symptoms, cardiac remodeling, looks similar in the early stages of heart failure. Research shows, higher exposure to pollutants is associated with more significant changes in heart structure.

Therefore as much as possible avoid exposure to air pollution for example by using a mask when out of the house, also limit the use of private vehicles and switch to mass transportation to reduce air pollution.