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Air Pollutants Increase Heart Disease Among Women
Women living in areas with higher air pollution levels may have an increased chance of a heart disease than their counterparts living in more cleaner surroundings. The research done by scientists from Loma Linda University had reported their findings in the recent issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Their research findings suggest that the rate of dying from coronary heart disease in women is more if they happen to live in areas that have a high level of air pollution in which ozone combines with particulate matter. The risk may be as much as twice that of women breathing in cleaner air on a daily basis.
Researchers found statistically significant increases in the relative risk of fatal CHD in females as pollution levels increased when they analyzed particulate matter levels alone. The risk estimates were strengthened when the study also considered ozone, and strengthened further when only postmenopausal females were included.
From 1977 to 1998, researchers obtained data from 3,239 nonsmoking, non-Hispanic white adults who participated in the Adventist Health Study on the health effects of smog. Upon enrollment, participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire detailing health status, lifestyle, and education. Researchers used data from subsequent questionnaires in 1977, 1987, 1992, and 2000 to obtain follow-up information related to residence and work location histories as well as essential characteristics regarding relative exposure to ambient air pollutants, occupational fumes and dust, and indoor pollutants such as secondhand tobacco smoke. None had any history of CHD, stroke, or diabetes.
During the 22-year follow-up, there were 155 fatal CHD cases in females and 95 among males. Those who died of CHD were older at baseline, had fewer years of education, and were more likely to have hypertension.
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