Air Pollution Plants the Seeds of Heart Disease among Young People

Fine pollution particles known as “PM2.5” are tiny air particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.

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The pollution particles from car exhausts and factories are known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, but a new study suggests they may also plant the seeds of cardiovascular disease early in life.

The researchers found that in healthy young adults, exposure to fine particles known as “PM2.5” (minute particles in the air with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) leads to changes that cause inflammation in immune cells and increases dead vascular endothelial cells in the bloodstream.

To investigate the effect of microparticles on the circulatory system (heart and arteries) and how this occurs, researchers collected blood samples from three groups of 24 healthy and non-smokers during three periods of time from December 2014 to April 2015.

The study team examined the samples when levels of pollution particles were low and high in Provo, Utah, and looked for microbial particles and immune cells to indicate cell disintegration and death and that the body processed some form of immune response.

When levels of PM2.5 were high, blood samples included more dead cell segments from the lining of the arteries, veins and lungs.

At the same time, levels of the elements associated with vascular growth had declined, while chemical elements associated with inflammation had risen in the immune system, according to the report, published in the journal Circulation Research.

The researchers concluded that although the participants were healthy and did not have any heart disease, the results suggest that the pollution particles not only exacerbate cardiovascular problems, but may have a role in their emergence.

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