Air pollution can change the structure of the heart

London researchers have announced that people exposed to air pollution, even at low levels, may have changes in the structure of the heart, a similar situation that occurs in the early stages of the disease. heart failure.

Breathing in a contaminated cubic meter of PM2.5 dust in the air or just breathing every 10 micrograms per cubic meter of nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ) will make the heart structure increase by about 1%.

"Although our research is only on the observational level and has not shown a clear causal link, we have seen significant changes in the structure of the heart, even if the person is exposed to the cell. Air pollution is relatively low, " said researcher Nay Aung, Queen Mary University of London.

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide or PM2.5 dust with the risk of developing left and right ventricles abnormally large in the heart.

In this work, the scientists looked at data from about 4,000 people participating in the Biobank study in the UK, where volunteers provided a variety of personal information, including lifestyle, health records and details. about where they live.

Participants were also given blood tests and health scans and cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). All are used to measure the size, weight and function of the heart of participants at fixed times.

The team found a clear link between people living near crowded, noisy roads, and exposure to nitrogen dioxide or with the risk of developing left and right ventricles abnormally large in the heart.

The ventricles are important pumping chambers in the heart. The development of this unusual part size is almost the same sign found in the early stages of.