Associations between air pollution and the risk of first admission and multiple readmissions for cardiovascular diseases
Authors' conclusion
This study provides evidence that ambient air pollutants might play an important role in both first admission and readmission for cardiovascular events. In addition, patients with pre-existing CVDs may be more vulnerable to air pollution compared with healthy population.
Study context
- Population
- Participants free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, UK Biobank
- Participants
- 285,009 participants
- Exposure
- Ambient air pollution exposure
- Outcome
- First admission and multiple readmissions for CVD (chronic ischaemic heart disease (CIHD), cerebrovascular disease, AF, HF)
- Follow-up
- Median 12 years
Methodological detailsUK Biobank
- UK Biobank
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
CVD admission and readmission, per IQR increase of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm
Per IQR increase of particulate matter ≤2.5 µmAdjusted hazard ratio (95% CI)
First admission, cerebrovascular disease
1.130(1.070–1.194)
Readmission, cerebrovascular disease
1.270(1.137–1.418)
First admission, CIHD
1.060(1.008–1.114)
Readmission, CIHD
1.120(1.070–1.171)
Per IQR increase of particulate matter ≤2.5, as printed
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Sex-stratified analyses
- Associations generally more pronounced among females than males
Original publication
Associations between air pollution and the risk of first admission and multiple readmissions for cardiovascular diseases. Heart. Published 6 September 2023. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it