Arrhythmias are heart disorders that disrupt its normal rhythm, posing serious risks like heart failure, stroke, and even sudden death. As cases of arrhythmias—especially atrial fibrillation—continue to rise globally, they contribute to substantial health and economic burdens.
While the cardiovascular risks of air pollution are widely recognized, its specific impact on various types of arrhythmias has been less explored. Closing this gap is essential for developing better prevention and management strategies.
A recent study from the Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, published in Eco-Environment & Health on June 11, 2024, sheds new light on this issue. The research analyzed data from over 442,000 participants in the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx, and the incidence of arrhythmias.
The study’s findings emphasize that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 is strongly linked to an increased risk of arrhythmias. A 10 μg/m³ rise in PM2.5 levels was associated with a 26% higher risk of developing arrhythmias. Meanwhile, increases in NO2 and NOx also showed modest increases in risk, at 3% and 2%, respectively.
The research also introduced a Composite Air Pollution Score (APS) to better understand the overall risk posed by multiple pollutants. Individuals in the highest exposure group were found to face a significantly higher chance of developing not just atrial fibrillation, but also ventricular tachycardia and other lesser-known arrhythmias like supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular premature beats. The study found that women, older adults, and those with preexisting heart conditions were especially vulnerable.
Dr. Renjie Chen, the principal investigator, stated, “Our findings highlight the urgent need to consider air pollution as a modifiable risk factor in preventing arrhythmias. Reducing exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 could help lower the burden of these serious heart conditions.”
The research underscores the need for stricter air quality controls, especially in urban areas where pollution levels tend to be higher. By reducing harmful emissions, significant progress can be made in preventing arrhythmias and lowering healthcare costs. Public health strategies should particularly focus on safeguarding vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with existing cardiovascular issues, from the detrimental effects of air pollution.