Air Pollution

Even small increases in nitrogen dioxide in the air may increase the risk for cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, according to new data published in The BMJ.

This week, gastroesophageal reflux disease may contribute to development of lung fibrosis; socioeconomic factors mediate the association of race/ethnicity with worse outcomes in COVID-19; long-term air pollution exposure may elevate risk for CV mortality in patients with COPD; and more.

Air pollution is a health hazard, and not only for the lungs.

New data suggest that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular mortality among adults with COPD.

Adults who routinely engage in a high level of physical activity may be able to reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes, even in areas with high air pollution, according to a study published in Diabetologia.

As climate change continues to alter the physical landscape for populations throughout the world, it is also incurring profound effects on people’s psychological wellbeing and mental health.

Long-term exposure to air pollutants may pose a significant risk to CV and respiratory health in the Medicare-age population, according to a study published in Circulation.

Four cardiology societies have published a statement calling for structural actions to reduce emissions of air pollutants and reduce exposure to improve CV health.

The FDA recently approved vericiguat to reduce heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

Those exposed to short-term ambient air pollution demonstrated elevated risk for MI mortality, researchers reported.