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Study Suggests Air Pollution Contributes to Clogged Arteries

On Thursday at the Radiological Society of North America meeting in Chicago, University of Toronto researchers reported long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to higher risk of clogged arteries in more than 11,000 adults treated at three Toronto hospitals.
Using chest CT scans and postal-code exposure estimates, the research team found fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide linked to more coronary plaque, with associations seen even at low exposure levels.
Quantitatively, the study's measured outcomes showed increased odds of arterial plaques and calcium build-up, with researchers reporting associations between pollution exposure and coronary artery disease.
The results underscore public-health stakes as heart disease leads globally and researchers noted effects near or below government air-quality standards, urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide more information.
Researchers call for further studies to confirm causation and understand sex differences, noting findings are preliminary until published in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Felipe Castillo Aravena said.

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