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Air pollution: The "heart" of the problem

Current Hypertension Reports volume 5, pages 32–39 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic cardiovascular mortality. Recent observations have implicated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as one of the most important pollutants. Inhalation of PM2.5 causes acute pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. The subsequent generation of a systemic inflammatory response could link air pollution exposure with the development of cardiovascular disease. Human experiments have demonstrated pro-arrhythmic alterations in cardiac autonomic tone, increased blood pressure, higher serum C-reactive protein levels, and alterations in blood rheology favoring coagulation following controlled pollution exposures or in relation to elevated ambient PM2.5 levels. Recent studies have also uncovered several harmful impacts on the systemic vasculature, including the triggering of acute vasoconstriction and the enhanced development of atherosclerosis. Many questions, however, remain unanswered and future studies will be required to clarify the relevant biologic mechanisms and to identify the specific constituents responsible for mediating the adverse health impacts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 3918 Taubman Center, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Robert D. Brook MD

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  1. Robert D. Brook MD
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  2. Jeffrey R. Brook PhD
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  3. Sanjay Rajagopalan MD
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Brook, R.D., Brook, J.R. & Rajagopalan, S. Air pollution: The "heart" of the problem. Current Science Inc 5, 32–39 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-003-0008-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-003-0008-y

Keywords

  • Heart Rate Variability
  • Respir Crit
  • Diesel Exhaust Particle
  • Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelium Cell
  • Health Effect Institute