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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
Chronic PM2.5 Exposure Is Associated With Invasively Assessed Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction
Matteo Manzato1, Parvin Kalhor1, Kai Nogami1
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to coronary endothelial dysfunction (ED), an early sign of coronary artery disease (CAD). This suggests PM2.5 may be a significant factor in CAD development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Environmental Health Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coronary endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, but its specific impact on coronary ED is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and epicardial endothelial dysfunction (EED).
- Utilize invasive coronary vasoreactivity testing, the gold standard for assessing EED.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 1,485 patients with angina and nonobstructive CAD.
- Geocoded residential addresses to estimate average monthly PM2.5 exposure over two years preceding testing.
- Assessed EED using coronary reactivity testing and analyzed associations with PM2.5 using weighted multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Each 1 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with a significant increase in the odds of EED (OR: 1.078, P=0.007).
- Patients exposed to PM2.5 above EPA standards were younger with fewer comorbidities but poorer lipid profiles.
- Results were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and cardiovascular comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with epicardial coronary ED.
- Findings suggest a potential biological mechanism linking PM2.5 exposure to the development of CAD.
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