Air Pollution Causes Stroke -- New Study

A new study found that air pollution not just leads to respiratory problems but also causes cardiovascular diseases. It has several health consequences and increases the risk of death by cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study is conducted by Barbara Hoffmann and her co-authors.

Hoffman investigated the population of the German Ruhr region and analysed the number of times stroke and cardiovascular diseases occurred. Her team also analysed the frequency of their exposure to particulate matter and noise. The participants in the study were residents from Bochum, Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr. A total of 4400 subjects were selected over the period of 2000 to 2003. They belonged to the age groups of 45 and 74 years. The study analysed the occurrence of stroke and cardiovascular diseases annually. They simultaneously checked the mortality rate related to cardiovascular diseases. They examined the participants’ exposure to particulate matter and noise, depending on their place of residence.

They found that those who exposed to pollutants and noise had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and dying of stroke, the release states. The study focused heavily on particulate matter exposure. The authors state that the study pointed towards an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases with the increased exposure to particulate matter.

The authors state in the report, “Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 or 2.5 µm (PM10 and PM2.5) are considered air pollutants for which adverse health effects have been proven. Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 or 2.5 µm (PM10 and PM2.5) are considered air pollutants for which adverse health effects have been proven.”

The report states that traffic, agriculture, heating and industry are the main sources of particulate matter. These cause pulmonary and systematic inflammation, imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and an increase in blood pressure.

The study was conducted in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.

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