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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
Particulate air pollution, metabolic syndrome, and heart rate variability: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
Sung Kyun Park1, Amy H Auchincloss, Marie S O'Neill
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. sungkyun@umich.edu
Background:
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been suggested as a possible biologic pathway for the association between fine particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the associations of PM2.5 with heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic function, and whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) modified these associations.
Methods:
We used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to measure the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) of 5,465 participants 45-84 years old who were free of CVD at the baseline examination (2000-2002). Data from the U.S. regulatory monitor network were used to estimate ambient PM2.5 concentrations at the participants' residences. MetS was defined as having three or more of the following criteria: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose.
Results:
After controlling for confounders, we found that an interquartile range (IQR) increase in 2-day average PM2.5 (10.2 µg/m3) was associated with a 2.1% decrease in rMSSD [95% confidence interval (CI), -4.2 to 0.0] and nonsignificantly associated with a 1.8% decrease in SDNN (95% CI, -3.7 to 0.1). Associations were stronger among individuals with MetS than among those without MetS: an IQR elevation in 2-day PM2.5 was associated with a 6.2% decrease in rMSSD (95% CI, -9.4 to -2.9) among participants with MetS, whereas almost no change was found among participants without MetS (p-interaction = 0.005). Similar effect modification was observed in SDNN (p-interaction = 0.011).
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that autonomic dysfunction may be a mechanism through which PM exposure affects cardiovascular risk, especially among persons with MetS.
Insights
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked to decreased heart rate variability, indicating autonomic dysfunction. This association is significantly stronger in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Research
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is a potential mechanism linking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in modifying this association is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PM2.5 exposure and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics.
- To determine if MetS modifies the relationship between PM2.5 and HRV.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 5,465 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (45-84 years old) free of CVD.
- Measured HRV parameters: standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD).
- Estimated ambient PM2.5 concentrations and defined MetS based on established criteria.
Main Results:
- An interquartile range increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 2.1% decrease in rMSSD and a non-significant 1.8% decrease in SDNN.
- These associations were significantly stronger in participants with MetS compared to those without.
- PM2.5 exposure led to a 6.2% decrease in rMSSD among individuals with MetS, with significant interaction effects observed for both rMSSD and SDNN.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic dysfunction may mediate the impact of PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular risk.
- Metabolic syndrome exacerbates the negative effects of PM2.5 on autonomic function, highlighting a vulnerable population.
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