A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions international conference in Chicago revealed that individuals with heart failure are at a heightened risk of inflammation when exposed to air pollution. The research, conducted by Benjamin Horne and his team at Intermountain Health, focused on 44 patients with heart failure and 35 individuals without heart disease.
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The study found that heart failure patients experienced increased inflammation in biomarkers CCL27 and IL-18 when exposed to air pollution, while those without heart disease did not exhibit similar changes. This suggests that individuals with heart disease, particularly heart failure, may have a reduced ability to adapt to environmental changes, putting them at greater risk of adverse health effects from poor air quality.
Horne emphasized the importance of caution for individuals with known heart disease during periods of high air pollution. Recommendations included exercising indoors, adhering to prescribed medications, and avoiding areas with high traffic and pollution levels.
The researchers collected blood samples from participants on days with varying levels of air pollution, ranging from low levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to higher levels exceeding 20 μg/m3. The study highlighted the impact of increased air pollution during events such as wildfires and cold days when pollutants become trapped closer to the ground.
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With an estimated global prevalence of over 64 million cases of heart failure as of 2020, the study sheds light on the vulnerability of individuals with heart disease to the effects of air pollution-induced inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms can help inform strategies for protecting the health of at-risk populations in polluted environments.
