Air Pollution Increases Risk Of Heart Disease

Air pollution is a recognized risk factor forcardiovascular disease, and new research indicates that it is especially detrimental for women withtype 2 diabetes. Investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reviewed data from more than 100,000 women, comparing rates of cardiovascular disease in connection with air pollution. They found that among women who were affected by air pollution, type 2 diabetes was a more important factor than age, family history of cardiovascular disease, a woman’s weight, smoking, and region of the country. Fornon-diabetics in the study, long-term exposure to air pollution led to small, but statistically insignificant increases in the risk of cardiovascular events. The researchers reported that for each increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air pollution, a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease rose by 44 percent if she had type 2 diabetes. The 10 micrograms increasein pollution is the equivalent of the difference in air quality between Los Angeles and St. Louis. The researchers suggested that women at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and especially those with type 2 diabetes, take precautions to limit their exposure to air pollution. They also suggested following recommendations to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by not smoking, eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Source: Dr. Weil's Daily Health Tips - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Science and Supplement News air pollution diabetes heart disease Source Type: blogs