Analysis of an acute effect of air pollution on cardiovascular mortality in Eastern Poland (EP-PARTICLES study)
According to WHO reports, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for almost 18 million deaths worldwide annually. The harmful effect of air pollution on human health in highly polluted regions is well documented. However, Eastern Poland is a region with so-called “Polish smog” – air pollution causing exceptionally adverse cardiovascular effects. The aim of our study was to assess whether “Polish smog” has an impact on mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.
What are the main findings of our work?
“Polish smog” has a significant impact on cardiovascular diseases-related mortality. The negative influence of PMs was observed on mortality due to acute coronary syndromes and ischemic stroke, whereas NO2 affected only acute coronary syndromes-related mortality. The most vulnerable subgroups to air pollution were women and people over 65 years old.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad125.214
Exposure to air pollution – trigger for acute coronary syndromes. Longitude study in two cohorts of industrial and non-industrial cities
Poland is one of the most polluted countries in Europe. The most polluted cities are located in the south of the country, with the main sources of pollution associated with the industrial branch, and in the eastern part where non-industrial regions with low emissions sources are related to the effect of Polish smog. The aim of the study was to compare the short-term impact of air pollution exposure on the incidence of acute coronary syndromes in two cohorts with different sources of air pollution.
What are the main findings of our work?
The effect of air pollution on the incidence of acute coronary syndromes was observed in both areas despite of source and level of air pollution. The risk of air pollution-related acute coronary syndromes was higher in the industrial over the non-industrial area. A clinical effect was more delayed in time in patients with STEMI, especially after exposure to SO2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad125.307
The association between air pollution and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (EP-PARTICLES study)
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and environmental conditions are one of its risk factors. The “Polish smog” that occurs in Eastern Poland – due to its composition and the conditions in which it is formed – is characterized by extremely adverse health effects. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between Polish smog and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation episodes.
What are the main findings of our work?
Variations in air pollution levels, especially NO2, can increase the risk of acute atrial fibrillation incidents. We associate the more pronounced adverse health effects noted during the heating season with the particularly toxic effects of Polish smog.