What is it about?
In this cross-sectional analysis of a large population free from pre-existing cardiovascular disease, higher past exposure to fine particulates with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm and nitrogen dioxide were associated with larger cardiac biventricular volumes, which is a well-recognized pathophysiological adaptation, heralding heart failure development. Proximity to major roads, a surrogate for chronic air pollution exposure, was additionally associated with higher left ventricular mass, which is known to portend adverse outcomes.
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Why is it important?
The association between ambient air pollution and adverse cardiac phenotypic changes in individuals without prevalent cardiovascular disease suggests that air pollution should be recognized as a major modifiable risk factor that needs to be targeted via public health measures.
Perspectives
These cardiac morphological alterations are apparent despite relatively low exposure levels meeting the current air quality standards, making a strong case to double efforts to control emission of the noxious pollutants.
Nay Aung
Queen Mary University of London
This work has been promoted by the funders (British Heart Foundation) to promote policy changes related to air pollution.
Professor Steffen E Petersen
Queen Mary University of London
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Cardiac Morpho-Functional Phenotypes, Circulation, November 2018, Wolters Kluwer Health,
DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.034856.
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