A portable and inexpensive air purifier could help protect the heart from pollution

The microscopic particles that float in the air we breathe come from sources such as burning fossil fuels, fires, cigarettes, and vehicles. Known as fine particles, this form of air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and other serious health problems.

"Despite the improvement in air quality in the United States in recent decades, more than 88,000 people die each year in the United States because of the pollution exposure of the United States. air by fine particles, "says Robert Brook, MD, a specialist in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Michigan. Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

Researchers have discovered that an inexpensive portable air purifier used in a home is powerful enough to collect a lot of these tiny particles and get them out of the air – a simple gesture that can protect the heart.

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine discovered that the use of an air purifier at home for three days at home had significantly reduced the exposure of the elderly living in the city to fine particles. This has also significantly reduced their blood pressure, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world.

"The results show that a simple, hands-on intervention using inexpensive indoor air filtration units can help protect people at risk from the adverse health effects of air pollution by reducing air pollution." Fine particles, "says Brook, the lead author of the study.

He conducted the research with colleagues from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, including the first author Masako Morishita, Ph.D., of MSU.

Improve indoor air

Given that the country's population spends nearly 90% of its time indoors, researchers focused on exposure to pollutants when people were at home.

So, instead of heading to a highway, a factory or even a park, Brook and his colleagues tackled air pollution in living rooms and bedrooms of low-income seniors' housing in Detroit.

Forty seniors participated in this randomized, double-blind study between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2016. Ninety-five percent of participants were black; all were non-smoking.

Each person experienced three different three-day scenarios: a fictitious air filter (a filterless air filtration system), a low-efficiency air purification system, and a water purification system. High efficiency air.

The participants went about their usual business during the study period and were allowed to open the windows and go out as often as they wished. Blood pressure was measured daily and participants wore an individual air monitor to determine their personal exposure to air pollution.

Researchers focused on reducing exposure to air pollutants and blood pressure over a three-day period, indicating that portable air filters are potentially cardioprotective.

According to Brook, exposure to fine particles was reduced by 40% and systolic blood pressure averaged 3.4 mm Hg (normal systolic blood pressure was considered less than 120 mm Hg, stage 1 hypertension starts at 130 and stage 2 at 140).

"The benefits were even more pronounced in obese people with a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 6 to 10 mmHg," says Brook, professor of internal medicine at the U-M School of Medicine.

And even a small investment could generate big benefits: high-efficiency air purifiers further reduce exposure to pollutants, but they do not lower people's blood pressure more significantly than purifiers. Low efficiency air, which are widely available at less than $ 70 the unit.

A relatable model

Existing research has focused on the cardiovascular and metabolomic effects of air pollution in highly polluted areas, with some improvements after the deployment of air filters.

However, according to Brook, his team's report adds an important new consideration: it took place in a much cleaner environment that already met the existing air quality standards for fine particles, while showing the potential for reduction of exposure.

"During the course of the study in Detroit, airborne particle levels in the outdoor air averaged 9 micrograms per cubic meter, which is in line with national quality standards. ambient air, "Brook adds. "This clearly shows that even new improvements in air quality can further protect public health."

the JAMA Internal Medicine The document differs more from previous studies in focusing on an elderly, low-income population.

According to Brook, researchers wanted to explore preventive strategies in everyday situations where aging adults are already dealing with other health problems and can take medication.

Nearly half of the participants in the small study met the criteria for obesity – and their average blood pressure would be classified as hypertensive, according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology of 2017.

It is also the first known study on pollution and cardiovascular health involving a three-part combination of low-income seniors, an urban environment in the United States, and personal exposures to fine particles.

Purify the air

Despite the findings of the small study, further research is needed.

"It is premature to recommend our patients to buy air filters to prevent heart disease," Brook says.

His team plans to test this approach with more diverse populations to find out if personal reductions in exposure to fine particles will result in fewer heart attacks and other negative consequences associated with hypertension.

According to Brook, future research will also need to study the long-term effects of the intervention to determine if the reduced blood pressure will remain lower over longer periods and result in fewer cardiovascular events.

Currently available epidemiological calculations predict a decrease of approximately 16% in cardiovascular events if a reduction of 3.2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure is maintained for several months to a few years, noted the authors of the report. ;study.

"In the meantime, clinicians and medical societies should play an active role in supporting air quality regulations in order to improve the health of their patients and their patients. families, "said Brook.