Atherosclerosis: Study links atherosclerosis progression to traffic exposure
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August 3, 2007 By Katherine Ogando[1]
Essen, Germany: Atherosclerosis has typically been linked to conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and through lifestyle choices such as smoking and physical inactivity. Now, according to a recent article published in Circulation, simply living in close proximity to a high-traffic area has also been shown to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis.
The study, headed by B. Hoffmann et al., involved baseline data on 4494 male and female participants, ages 45 to 74 years, from the population-based, prospective cohort Heinz Nixdorf Recall study. Researchers measured the distance between the homes of the participants and major roads along with the annual fine particulate matter concentrations for each location. The results were conclusive, showing that participants living less than 200 m from a major road had increased chances of experiencing an outcome of coronary artery calcification compared to participants living less than 200 m away. To further solidify the results, participants who did not work full-time, and thus spent more time in their homes, had more coronary artery calcification because of longer exposure to fine particulate matter.
The results demonstrate that fine particulate matter typically associated with air pollutants, such as fuel exhaust, is likely a major contributor to the plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that causes atherosclerosis. Regarding the importance of their findings, the authors explain that “Considering the continuing rise in motorized vehicle use and the paramount role of coronary atherosclerosis in morbidity and mortality, these findings have high public health relevance.”
One limitation of the study cited by the authors was the unaccountability for relocation prior to the baseline assessment of the participants. Still, they maintain that the study population was fairly stable during the study, and that serves as an indication of their stability prior to the baseline examination. <biblio>
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