High blood pressure is linked to a long-term exposure to particulate matter.

The WHO estimates that air pollution is the main cause of death across the globe and accounts for more than 4.2 millions deaths per year. A study published in Scientific Reports, by the Biomedical Networking Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, and the Biomedical Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) discovered that exposure to chronically exposed particulate matter can increase the chance of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The study by Gemma Rojo’s team has assessed the impact of particulate pollution on the long-term prevalence of hypertension in Spain, supporting the necessity to improve the quality of the air as much as is feasible to decrease the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in the population.

CIBERDEM researchers conducted the study [email protectedResearchers from CIBERDEM conducted a study [email protected] where 1103 people between the ages of 18 and 83 took part. None of the participants had high blood pressure hypertension at the start of the study (2008-2010) and they were followed until 2016-17. Participants in the cohort were given air pollution concentrations for particulate matter. These concentrations were calculated by combining measurement and modeling at the air quality station. 282 cases of high blood pressure incidents were documented during this time.

The study has been conducted in collaboration with the department for air pollution of the Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT).

As explained by Sergio Valdes, CIBERDEM researcher at the IBIMA and endocrinologist at Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, “Several previous studies have described the long- and short-term relationship of ambient air pollutants with hypertension and blood pressure levels, however, very few studies have explored the connection between long-term exposure to these particles and the incidence of hypertension in a way that is prospective. The study [email protected] gives us the chance to do this in the Spanish population.

Participants underwent a medical exam at a health clinic and blood samples were collected during the study phase. In addition, a questionnaire was used to collect information about age, sex levels, education, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other variables. The amount of food consumed was determined by an Mediterranean diet compliance questionnaire. BMI was also calculated. A blood pressure monitor was utilized to determine blood pressure. Hypertension is defined as a reading in the blood pressure that was greater than or equal 140 mmHg or less than 90 mmHg.

The biggest threat to the cardiovascular health system is

Our results are consistent with a vast body of evidence suggesting that air pollution could be a factor in the development of hypertension. It also supports the notion that the biggest danger to cardiovascular health is the particulate component.

Gemma Rojo, head of the CIBERDEM group at the IBIMA and the final signatory of the study

She states that “Although there have been some contradictions in previous studies on the relationship between hypertension and exposure to gaseous pollutants the majority of studies looking at long-term exposure to particulate matters and incidents of high blood pressure have found positive associations that are consistent with our findings.”

The CIBERDEM study helps in studying the impact of particulate polluting on the incidence of high blood pressure in Spain. Sergio Valdes explains that “our results confirm the need to improve the quality of air to lower the risk of high blood pressure among our population. Even moderate levels like the ones we present here can significantly increase the risk.” ”

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