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Long-Term Exposure to Traffic Air Pollution Particles may Increase Blood Pressure
Image Source: Stock.Xchng. By: Drouu.
According to a recent study, long-term exposure to traffic-based air pollution particles can contribute to a rise in blood pressure. A Normative Aging Study was conducted between 1995 and 2006. Every 4 years, each participant (939 total participants) of the study was assessed. Researchers analyzed this data by using a computer model to estimate the exposure of each participant to traffic air pollution particles, both during the 11 year study year period and also for the year prior to each 4-year assessment.
The findings, presented earlier this week at the annual American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention conference, show that increased exposure to traffic pollution particles could be linked with higher blood pressure. This link was particularly noticeable during the year that preceded a 4-year assessment. Data shows that there was a 3.02 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, a 1.96 mm Hg increase in diastolic pressure, and a 2.30 mm Hg increase in mean arterial pressure.
Study author, Joel Schwartz, and colleagues believe this link between long-term exposure to traffic air pollution particles and increased blood pressure may help to explain other medical problems caused by exposure to pollution, such as heart attacks. You can read more on the study on the American Heart Association website.
By Heidi Marshall
Tags: air pollution particles, American Heart Association, health issues, increased blood pressure, study, traffic
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