Long -term exposure to air pollution associated with early signs of heart damage

Researchers using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have found that long -term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, according to a study published today in the RadiologyJournal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Research shows that thin particles in the air can contribute to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, a form of scarring in the heart muscle.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. There is a large set of elements that link poor air quality to cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying heart changes resulting from exposure to air pollution are unclear.

We know that if you are exposed to air pollution, you are at a higher risk of heart disease, including the highest risk of having a heart attack. We wanted to understand what drives this increased risk of tissue level. ”

Kate Hanneman, MD, MPH, The Senior Author of the Study, Department of Medical Imaging at Temerty Medical School, University of Toronto and University Health Network in Toronto

Dr. Hanneman and his colleagues used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, a non -invasive imaging technique, to quantify myocardial fibrosis and evaluate its connection to long -term exposure to particles known as PM_2.5. In a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, pm_2.5 The particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Common sources include vehicle evaporation, industrial emissions and fire smoke.

Researchers wanted to evaluate the effects of air pollution on both healthy people and people with heart disease, so the study group included 201 healthy tests and 493 patients with dimensional cardiomyopathy, a disease that makes it more difficult for the heart.

The highest long -term exposure to subtle air pollution of the particles was associated with higher levels of myocardial fibrosis both in patients with cardiomyopathy and in tests, which suggests that myocardial fibrosis can be an underlying mechanism by which the atmospheric pollutant. Most results were observed in women, smokers and patients with hypertension.

The study adds to increasing evidence that air pollution is a cardiovascular risk agent, contributing to the residual risk not due to conventional clinical forecasts such as smoking or hypertension.

“Even moderate increases in levels of air pollution seem to have measurable effects on the heart,” Dr. Hanneman said. “Our study suggests that air quality can play an important role in changes in heart structure. It may determine the stage for future cardiovascular disease.”

Knowing the long -term historical report of a patient’s air pollution could help improve the risk assessment for heart disease and deal with health inequalities that contribute to both exposure and outcome. For example, Dr. Hanneman said, if a person works outside in an area with poor air quality, healthcare providers could incorporate this exposure history into the risk of heart disease risk.

The levels of exposure to patients’ air pollution in the study were under many of the global air quality guidelines, reinforcing that there are no safe exposure limits.

“Public health measures are needed to further reduce the long -term exposure to air pollution,” Dr. Hanneman said. “There have been improvements to air quality over the last decade, both in Canada and in the United States, but we still have a long way to go.”

In addition to lighting the bonds between air pollution and myocardial fibrosis, the study emphasizes the important role that radiologists will play in research and clinical developments forward.

“Medical imaging can be used as a tool for understanding the environmental impact on a patient’s health,” Dr. Hanneman said. “As radiologists, we have a huge opportunity to use imaging to identify and quantify some of the impact of environmental reports on various organ systems.”