This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Air pollution linked to increased risk of stroke
A team of researchers from Edinburgh University analysed the relationship short term air pollution had with stroke related hospital admissions and deaths. The study spanned 28 countries and examined 103 studies, surveying particulate matter and gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Despite only 20 per cent of countries examined being regarded as low to middle income nations, the research revealed that low to middle income countries experienced stronger associations than high income countries.
Previous research had revealed that air pollution can affect the cells that line the circulatory system and increase activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to narrow blood vessels, an increase in blood pressure, the restriction blood supply to tissues and increase the risk of thrombosis.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and kills approximately 5 million people per year. The BMJ emphasised that the study was observational and no definitive conclusions can be drawn, but they are keen to undertake further in-depth research.
To read the report
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