Using High efficiency (HEPA) particle purifiers at home can considerably reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) in adults with high basic readings – even in areas with global levels of relatively low air pollution, according to a study published today in JaccThe Flagship Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Particles (PM) are a major contributor to air pollution and are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (MCV). People living near high traffic roads are frequently exposed to high levels of PM of vehicle emissions as well as to wear tires and brakes. These fine particles can infiltrate houses and affect residents, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and blood pressure – two main MCV risk factors.
High blood pressure remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This research adds to growing evidence that simple interventions, such as home air filtration, can help improve heart health for risky people. “”
Douglas Brugge, Ph.D., MS, professor and president of the Department of Public Health Sciences at Uconn Health and the main author of the study
In this randomized crossed trial of 154 adults living near the highways, the participants were assigned random to receive a month of HEPA or simulated filtration (the same HEPA units with the filter removed) in their homes, followed by a period of “washing” of one month filtration and then alternative treatment. The measures of blood pressure and the participants’ questionnaires were collected at the start and at the end of each period.
The researchers found that participants with high SBP (> 120 mmHg) experienced an average reduction of 2.8 mmHg of the SBP after a month of HEPA filtration. In comparison, the SBP has increased slightly (0.2 mmhg) during a simulated filtration period, resulting in a significant difference of 3.0 mmHg in favor of HEPA filtration. There was no significant impact on diastolic blood pressure or among normal SBP participants (<120 mmHg).
“Accablant evidence shows the harmful effects of health exposure to PM2.5, even at levels lower than current American standards,” said Jonathan Newman, MD, MPH, an associate professor in the Medicine Department, the Cardiology Division of Léon H. Charney at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the main author of the editor of support. “As health professionals, we must educate the public and support policies that protect clean air and improve the health of all Americans. »»
Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, editor -in -chief of Jacc, noted that the study raises the possibility that even modest improvements in indoor air quality can have a significant impact on blood pressure for people at risk.
“Although more research is needed, these results suggest that what we breathe at home may have an importance for our cardiovascular health,” Krumholz said.
The limits of the study include a limited generalization due to a basin of white predominance and high income participants, excluding people on blood pressure drugs, a potential variation in the use of the purifier and a lack of data during the hotter summer months or at higher internal pollution moments.
