Air pollution and emergency room visits for arrhythmias: are there potentially sensitive groups?
Recent studies showed that air pollution is a risk factor for hospitalization for arrhythmias. However, there is limited evidence to suggest which subpopulations are at higher risk for arrhythmia development due to increased air pollutant exposure. This study was undertaken to examine the modifying effect of specific secondary diagnosis (including hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure) on the relationship between frequency of emergency room (ER) visits for arrhythmias and ambient air pollutants concentrations. ER visits for arrhythmias and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period 2000-2006. The relative risk of ER visits was estimated using a case-crossover approach. Data showed an increased risk of ER visits for arrhythmias in relation to increased O(3) levels among individuals with a secondary diagnosis of hypertension and congestive heart failure.
Chiu
Hui-Fen
HF
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Yang
Chun-Yuh
CY
D000368:Aged; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010126:Ozone / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D010126:Ozone