Association between PM_2.5 components and electrocardiogram abnormalities among elderly individuals: a longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Air Pollution Research

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• The association between PM2.5 components and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, a CVD prognostic indicator, is not well understood.
• This study investigates the link between PM2.5 constituents and ECG abnormalities in elderly populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its chemical constituents with ECG abnormalities.
• To identify specific PM2.5 components that pose a significant risk for ECG abnormalities in the elderly.
• To highlight the potential of ECG as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk associated with air pollution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized survey data from elderly individuals in Guangzhou, China (2018-2022).
• Employed bilinear interpolation and residential addresses to estimate annual average PM2.5 and component exposures.
• Applied generalized estimation equations (GEE) models to assess the association with ECG abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Included 215,073 participants with 691,990 ECG recordings.
• PM2.5 and its components (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter, black carbon) were significantly associated with increased ECG abnormality risk.
• Ammonium showed the highest risk (OR: 1.070), followed by nitrate (OR: 1.058) and sulfate (OR: 1.047) per IQR increase.

Conclusions:

• Long-term PM2.5 exposure and its components are linked to a higher risk of ECG abnormalities in the elderly.
• ECG serves as a valuable early indicator for reversible cardiovascular risks.
• Reducing PM2.5 pollution could mitigate adverse cardiovascular outcomes in older adults.