Study Identifies Subpopulations at Risk for Heart Attacks Due to Air Pollution in Poland: Research Findings and Implications

The Impact of Air Pollution on Heart Health in Poland: A New Study Reveals Alarming Findings

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe has shed light on the detrimental effects of air pollution on heart health in Poland. The researchers identified specific subpopulations at a heightened risk for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) due to air pollution.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a significant global health concern, and in 2021, CVD caused 1.7 million deaths and 1.3 million lost working years in the European Union. Ischemic heart disease, primarily caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), accounted for 34% of these deaths. CAD can lead to acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including life-threatening STEMI and NSTEMI.

The study focused on the eastern region of Poland and included over eight million people across rural communities. Hospitalization data from 2011 to 2020, including cases of NSTEMI and STEMI, were analyzed. Air pollution data was collected using the Global Environmental Multiscale–Air Quality (GEM-AQ) model, which predicts air quality on various scales.

The results of the study revealed alarming statistics. Hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths from STEMI and NSTEMI were significant, with a majority of patients being male. Despite a decrease in air pollutant concentrations, levels remained above recommended thresholds. The study found a strong association between pollutants like PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide (SO2) with increased hospitalizations for both STEMI and NSTEMI.

Age-stratified analyses showed that younger patients faced a higher risk of NSTEMI with elevated pollutant levels, while older patients experienced increased STEMI hospitalizations. Women were particularly vulnerable to STEMI associated with certain pollutants. Rural areas and lower-income regions were also found to be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution on heart health.

The study highlighted the critical importance of reducing air pollution to recommended levels, as it could prevent thousands of NSTEMI and STEMI cases annually. Managing air quality is crucial for public health and could have a significant impact on reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Poland.

Overall, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need for interventions to address air pollution and protect the heart health of vulnerable populations in Poland.