(October 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

Air pollution can increase blood pressure, particularly among the obese, and living close to a source of pollution enhances this effect, according to research published in the latest issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Exposure to air pollution has been linked with increased risks for:

•    Early death from heart and lung disease

•    Cough and bronchitis among children

•    Hospitalizations and emergency room visits

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst measured the pulse pressure, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference of nearly 350 Detroit residents. All these residents were living in households that were within 5 km of a site that monitors air quality and pollution. Pulse pressure is the change in blood pressure that occurs during the contraction of the heart and, like blood pressure, is an indicator of cardiovascular health.

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter in the air was associated with both an increase in blood pressure and pulse pressure. This association was strongest among those who were obese, based either on measurements of BMI or waist circumference, and it was enhanced among those living closest to sources of air pollution.

Today's research highlights the importance of air pollution in cardiovascular health and suggests that exposure to air pollution near the home could be used to help estimate cardiovascular risk.