Monday, August 2, 2010

Health News: Traffic Pollution Linked to Rist Factor for Sudden Cardiac Death



(HealthDay News) -- Exposure to high levels of traffic air pollution among people with heart or lung disease is associated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV), a risk factor for sudden cardiac death, finds a new study.

The study included 30 Atlanta-area residents with lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or heart disease (previous heart attack).

The Harvard School of Public Health researchers found no link between reduced heart rate variability and ambient levels of air pollutants in the areas where the participants lived. However, 24-hour portable monitoring devices worn by the patients showed a significant association between reduced HRV and personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, including elemental carbon and nitrogen dioxide.

A drop in heart rate variability -- a measure of the heart's ability to adapt to changes in the environment -- indicates weakened control of the heart by the autonomic nervous system.

The findings add to recent evidence of a link between short-term, personal exposure to traffic-related pollution and reduced HRV. They may also help to explain why some previous studies have found that people have an increased risk of heart attack in the hour immediately after being stuck in traffic, the Harvard researchers said in a university news release.

The study appears in the July issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

More information

The American Heart Association has more about sudden cardiac death.
-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, news release, July 9, 2010

911 - Warning Signs of a Heart Attack, Stroke, Cardiac Arrest

4 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

Always great info here! Blessings!

Alleluiabelle said...

I love you Michele!!

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Justin said...

We just have to have faith and hope that things improve, these diseases are extending cancerigenas very often, even more so when things in health care are being carried in a manner inconsistent in hospitals, I hope these changes she will do with the government deliver the expected results.

Toyin O. said...

That is great to know! Thanks for the INFO!

Check out my blog:
http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com