LONDON: Air pollution can cause significant damage to the heart structure and function, raising the risk of cardiac diseases and death, a new study warns.
“There is strong evidence that particulate matter (PM) emitted mainly from diesel road vehicles is associated with increased risk of heart attack, heart failure and death,” said Nay Aung, from the Queen Mary University of London in the UK.
The study examined whether PM2.5 may damage the heart directly. It included 4,255 participants.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to measure left ventricular volume (structure) and left ventricular ejection fraction (function).
Annual average exposure to PM2.5 was calculated based on participants’ home address.
Researchers adjusted for factors that could influence health such as age, gender, diabetes and blood pressure.
“We found that as PM2.5 exposure rises, the larger the heart gets and the worse it performs. Both of these measures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from heart disease,” said Aung. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
