Air pollution linked to deadly heart rhythm disorder: Study

May 23, 2022 12:57

Exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with a life-threatening heart condition, according to a study.

The research, presented last week at the scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in Madrid, Spain was conducted in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), enabling them to track the occurrence of arrhythmias.

"Our study suggests that people at high risk of ventricular arrhythmias, such as those with an ICD, should check daily pollution levels," said study author Alessia Zanni, who works at Maggiore Hospital, Bologna and was previously at Piacenza Hospital, Italy.

"When particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations are high -- above 35 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3) and 50 g/m3, respectively -- it would be sensible to stay indoors as much as possible and wear an N95 mask outside, particularly in areas of heavy traffic.

An air purifier can be used at home," Zanni said in a statement. PM 2.5 refers to tiny pollution particles in the air that are two and half microns or less in width, while those with a diameter of 10 microns or less are called PM10.

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