Research establishes link between air pollution and coronary heart disease in China

New research from the University of Buffalo provides pathophysiological evidence of the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular disease in China. The results also suggest that China may need to revise its standard for one type of pollutant.

The researchers found that long-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, as well as proximity to vehicles, were badociated with the severity of calcium in the coronary arteries or with the accumulation of plaque in the walls of the arteries. The study was conducted on 8,867 Chinese adults aged 25 to 92 years.

The results, published in JAMA Network open noware significant because, although similar studies have been conducted in the United States and Europe, it is the first to examine the link between air pollution and coronary artery calcium in China. The country has focused more recently on reducing extremely high levels of air pollution in some areas, especially in northern China.

This study could provide evidence that coronary atherosclerosis is a pathological pathway through which exposure to air pollution increases the risk of death from coronary heart disease. "

First author of the article, Meng Wang, badistant professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the School of Public Health and Health Professions of the University of British Columbia

"This discovery is expected to contribute to the understanding of the effects of air pollutants worldwide, by providing both locally generated and indispensable evidence to support the process of normalizing air pollution in the world. 39, "added Wang, PhD, also a professor member of the UB RENEW Institute (research and education in the field of energy, environment and water ).

Atherosclerosis refers to the accumulation of plaque, or fatty deposits, in the walls of the arteries, which, over time, limits the blood flow into the arteries. This can cause a blood clot resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

"Atherosclerosis is a lifelong process, so the effects of exposure to air pollution on atherosclerosis are likely to be chronic," Wang said. .

If an badociation between this condition and air pollution was established, added Mr. Wang, this could be an opportunity for local efforts to control the population's exposure to pollution before and ## 147 ## It does not become harmful to health.

The study focused on the levels of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, or fine particles. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, PM2.5 is tiny particles that can easily be inhaled, causing serious health problems.

The study also is interested in the proximity of traffic and used nitrogen dioxide as a more accurate indicator of vehicle emissions. It showed that the risk of increased calcium score in the coronary arteries increased by 24.5% for every 20 micrograms increase per cubic meter of air nitrogen dioxide.

Air pollution remains a major problem in China. In 2015, more than 95% of the Chinese population was exposed to PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels above the minimum level of the study, according to Wang.

"Since more than 40% of deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease, the potential contribution of air pollutants to cardiovascular disease in China is very important," he said.

The improvement of air quality compared to the Chinese national standards of 35 and 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air for PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, respectively, could help people live longer, Wang said.

Nevertheless, the effect of nitrogen dioxide exposure on calcium in the coronary arteries persisted even when researchers limited their baday to concentrations below 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air .

"This suggests that the current standard on air pollution may need to be reevaluated," Wang said.