Link between ambient air pollution and acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack

Sep 26 2005

Scientists have discovered a link between ambient air pollution and acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

An article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis looks specifically at airborne particulate matter resulting mainly from the combustion of fuel, including coal and also from forest fires. Evidence shows that both short- and long-term exposure to these particulates is associated with death from cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and more specifically from myocardial infarction.

Additionally, this research, based on a previous study, reveals that those patients with damaged arteries are most at risk to suffer from lung inflammation and fatal blood clots.

Each year, 1.1 million people experience myocardial infarction, which results from the obstruction of a diseased coronary artery.

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jth