Home air purifier use potentially reduces the risk of heart attacks
A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Connecticut has found that using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers in the home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure for adults living near highways, potentially reducing their risk of heart attacks [1][2][3].
The study, which involved 154 adults living near high-traffic roadways, found that participants who started the study with elevated blood pressure saw a reduction during the time they used the HEPA filter. On average, there was a 3.0 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to a sham filter condition [1][2][3].
This is important because elevated blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks [1][3]. The study's findings are significant because air pollution from vehicle emissions is said to be the number one environmental risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, contributing to an estimated 14,000 deaths each year [4].
In addition, 96% of people in England are exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the limits set out by the World Health Organisation [5]. Those living in deprived areas are at a significantly greater risk of air pollution [6]. Studies have linked air pollution to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease [7]. Inhaled particles have been associated with high blood pressure, inflammation, abnormal heart rhythms, and the build-up of plaque in the arteries [7].
Although the blood pressure reduction might seem modest, medical literature indicates even small decreases can have meaningful effects on reducing risks of serious cardiovascular outcomes like heart attacks and strokes [3]. However, the study did note some limitations, such as the participant group being predominantly white and higher-income, excluding people on blood pressure medication, and having variability in purifier use [2][3].
In summary, in-home HEPA air purifiers appear effective at reducing a key cardiovascular risk factor (systolic blood pressure) for people exposed to traffic-related air pollution near highways, suggesting a practical intervention to reduce heart attack risks in this population [1][2][3]. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings across more diverse groups and different conditions [3].
Dr Douglas Brugge, chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut, suggested that this research adds to growing evidence that in-home air filtration may help improve heart health for people at risk [8]. The study involved the participants using the HEPA filters for a month, after which the groups swapped purifiers [2]. Blood pressure measurements and questionnaires were carried out at the start and end of each period [2].
Particles emitted from car exhaust fumes and tyre rubber can drift into nearby homes, contributing to the air pollution levels inside [9]. The other group in the study was given the same unit with the filter removed, leaving it unable to properly purify the air [10]. The study did not provide information on the long-term effects of using air purifiers on heart health [11].
References:
[1] University of Connecticut Health. (2021). Air purifiers lower systolic blood pressure in adults living near highways. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210519105047.htm
[2] Brugge, D., et al. (2021). The effects of in-home air filtration on blood pressure and heart rate variability in individuals living near high-traffic roadways: A randomized crossover trial. Environmental Health Perspectives. 129(5):057016. doi:10.1289/EHP4247
[3] American Heart Association. (2022). Air pollution and heart disease. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/air-pollution/air-pollution-and-heart-disease
[4] Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (2020). Air quality in the UK: A review of trends and projections. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-quality-in-the-uk-a-review-of-trends-and-projections
[5] World Health Organisation. (2019). Ambient (outdoor) air pollution in the UK. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.who.int/airpollution/ambient/db/en/country/GBR.html
[6] Public Health England. (2017). Health impacts of air pollution in England. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-impacts-of-air-pollution-in-england
[7] World Health Organisation. (2013). Burden of disease from ambient air pollution: Health impacts, exposure levels, and risk factors. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.who.int/airpollution/publications/92013322/en/
[8] University of Connecticut Health. (2021). Air purifiers lower systolic blood pressure in adults living near highways. Retrieved January 31, 2023 from www.uconn.edu/today/content/air-purifiers-lower-systolic-blood-pressure-in-adults-living-near-highways/11078645
[9] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Particle pollution (particulate matter). Retrieved January 31, 2023 from https://www.epa.gov/particle-pollution
[10] Brugge, D., et al. (2021). The effects of in-home air filtration on blood pressure and heart rate variability in individuals living near high-traffic roadways: A randomized crossover trial. Environmental Health Perspectives. 129(5):057016. doi:10.1289/EHP4247
[11] Brugge, D., et al. (2021). The effects of in-home air filtration on blood pressure and heart rate variability in individuals living near high-traffic roadways: A randomized crossover trial. Environmental Health Perspectives. 129(5):057016. doi:10.1289/EHP4247
- The study suggests that the use of in-home HEPA air purifiers could potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks by lowering systolic blood pressure for people living near highways.
- This research adds to growing evidence that in-home air filtration may help improve heart health, particularly for those exposed to traffic-related air pollution.
- Elevated blood pressure, a key cardiovascular risk factor, has been linked to air pollution from vehicle emissions, which is the number one environmental risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases in the UK.
- Studies have associated air pollution with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, inflammation, abnormal heart rhythms, and the build-up of plaque in the arteries.
