Air Pollution Quickens Hardening of Arteries

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Air Pollution Quickens Hardening of Arteries
 

– Reported, April 26, 2013

 

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Researchers recently discovered that individuals exposed to higher concentrations of fine particulate air pollution have a faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery, possibly increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke.

The study followed over 5,000 people living in six U.S. metropolitan areas who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution. Each participants’ blood vessel thickness was measured using an ultrasound and then was measure again three years later. Air pollution levels at participants’ houses were estimated as well. People living in residential areas with higher levels of air pollution had a faster thickening of their blood vessels.

For more information go to: http://www.plosmedicine.org/     

SOURCE: PLOS Medicine, April 2013