Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
07:35
Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
2.3K
Air Pollution and Cardiac Remodeling and Function in Patients With Breast Cancer.
Wonyoung Jung1,2, Kyunga Ko1,2, Amanda M Smith1,2
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
JAMA Network Open
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), is linked to heart damage in breast cancer patients undergoing cardiotoxic therapy. Reducing exposure to these pollutants may lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
Background:
- The impact of air pollution on cardiac remodeling in cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic therapy remains unclear.
- Cardiotoxic therapies, such as anthracyclines and trastuzumab, are crucial for treating breast cancer but can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and cardiac structure, function, and remodeling in breast cancer patients undergoing cardiotoxic treatment.
- To identify specific air pollutants that may exacerbate cardiotoxicity in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal prospective cohort study involving 580 female breast cancer patients initiating cardiotoxic therapy.
- Assessment of cardiac function and remodeling using serial echocardiograms over a median of 3.1 years.
- Analysis of census tract-level air pollutant concentrations, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3, and their association with cardiac outcomes using multivariable regression and hazard models.
Main Results:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) exposure were significantly associated with adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, including reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and increased left ventricular mass.
- Each increment increase in PM2.5 and O3 was linked to a decline in LVEF and longitudinal strain, and an increase in left ventricular mass.
- Patients with higher exposure to PM2.5 and O3 had a significantly increased risk of developing cardiac dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to PM2.5 and O3 is independently associated with worse cardiac remodeling and function in breast cancer patients treated with cardiotoxic agents.
- These findings underscore the potential benefit of mitigating environmental air pollution exposure to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in cancer survivors.
- Further research is warranted to explore targeted interventions for air pollution reduction in vulnerable patient populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
3.5K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
3.5K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
4.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
4.2K
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
882
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
882
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
2.8K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
2.8K
01:29Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
313
Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
313
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
466
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
466