Heart Failure Patients More Prone To Air Pollution Induced Inflammation – Forbes

Noxious Air Pollution and its Impact on Heart Disease Patients

Air pollution affects everyone, but certain individuals are more vulnerable to its health impacts, particularly those with heart disease. The inhalation of microscopic air pollutants over time damages blood vessels, making them narrower and harder. It also puts significant strain on the heart muscle, which must work harder to supply oxygen. A recent study has provided further evidence of the susceptibility of heart disease patients, specifically those with heart failure, to inflammation caused by air pollution.

Study Findings

The study revealed that heart failure patients exposed to air pollution experience inflammation in two biomarkers: CCL27 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 27) and IL-18 (interleukin 18). However, individuals without heart disease did not show any changes in these biomarkers.

“These biomarkers rose in response to air pollution in people who already had heart disease, but not in patients who were heart disease-free, showing that heart failure patients are not as able to adapt to changes in the environment,” said Benjamin Horne, the principal investigator of the study and a professor of research at Intermountain Health.

Implications and Recommendations

The findings emphasize the importance of caution for individuals with known heart disease, including those diagnosed with heart failure, during periods of poor air quality. It is recommended that they exercise indoors, adhere to prescribed medications, and avoid areas with high traffic and pollution, such as roadways and highways.

Research Methodology

The study involved the analysis of blood and other biological samples from 44 patients with heart failure and 35 individuals without heart disease. Blood samples were collected on days with low levels of air pollution (fine particulate matter, PM2.5, below 7 micrograms per cubic meter) as well as on days with high levels of air pollution (PM2.5 levels reaching 20 micrograms per cubic meter or higher). The increase in air pollution levels was primarily observed during summer wildfire events and on cold days when pollutants tend to be trapped in the lower atmosphere.

The researchers examined 115 proteins present in human blood that indicate elevated inflammation in the body, using multiple blood samples collected at different times of the year.

Global Prevalence of Heart Failure

As of 2020, epidemiologists estimate that there are over 64 million cases of heart failure worldwide. The most common causes of heart failure include ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mitral valve disease, aortic valve disease, rheumatic heart disease, myocarditis, and endocarditis, according to a study published in the AME Medical Journal.

The study findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions international conference in Chicago on November 16, 2024.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the vulnerability of people with heart disease, specifically heart failure, to the health impacts of air pollution. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the importance of avoiding areas with high traffic and pollution for individuals with heart disease. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including improving air quality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination

The article highlights the impact of air pollution on individuals with heart disease, specifically heart failure. Achieving this target would involve reducing the health impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations.

Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

The article emphasizes the need to pay attention to air quality and avoid areas with high pollution for individuals with heart disease. This target focuses on improving air quality in cities and reducing the adverse environmental impact.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution

The article discusses the vulnerability of individuals with heart disease to air pollution-induced inflammation, indicating a potential link to mortality rates associated with air pollution.

Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)

The article mentions the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air during periods of high pollution, such as wildfire events. Monitoring and reducing these levels would contribute to achieving this indicator.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com