Air Pollution Exposure : A Trigger for Myocardial Infarction?

• The association between ambient air pollution exposure and hospitalization for cardiovascular events has been reported in several studies with conflicting results. A case-crossover design was used to investigate the effects of air pollution in 660 first-time myocardial infarction cases in Stockholm in 1993-1994, interviewed shortly after diagnosis using a standard protocol. Air pollution data came from central urban background monitors. No associations were observed between the risk for onset of myocardial infarction and two-hour or 24-hour air pollution exposure. No evidence of susceptible subgroups was found. This study provides no support that moderately elevated air pollution levels trigger first-time myocardial infarction.

Keyword

air pollution

myocardial infarction

trigger

onset

case cross-over design

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)