“Polluted air increases the risk of death from heart failure” – the results of a study by scientists from the Medical University of Bialystok. After studying mortality data in five cities in eastern Poland for the period from 2016 to 2020, scientists found that an increase in the content of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air by 10 µg/m3 increases the risk of death from heart failure by 10% and 9%, respectively.
The average age of those who died from heart failure was 74 years, and the highest number of deaths occurred in winter. Scientists recommend that heart failure patients minimize their exposure to polluted areas, avoid outdoor exercise in high-traffic areas, and use dedicated air purifiers at home.
Experts note that the results of the study highlight the need to protect vulnerable groups, especially in winter, and to include air quality monitoring in clinical care.
