New Delhi: Air pollution may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and death in cancer patients, increasing health disparities experienced by the group, according to a new research.
The research reviewed eight papers published between 2000 and 2023 that studied the direct effects of air pollution on cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke, and cancer. More than 1.1 crore participants were included in the review.
The researchers found that exposure to fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution weakened the body's defenses against detoxification and inflammation, which are common risk factors for both cancer and heart disease.
"Air pollution plays an undeniable role in the field of cardio-oncology," the authors, including those from China's Huazhong University of Science and Technology, wrote.
According to researchers, even short-term exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution can rapidly impact the heart health of cancer patients.The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Cardiooncology.
"This suggests that even temporary declines in air quality can have immediate adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as cardio-oncology patients," said senior author Xiaoquan Rao, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
The researchers said air pollution also increases health disparities around the world because disadvantaged populations are exposed to higher levels and cancer patients among them are at greater risk of heart disease and death than the general public.
According to the authors, while air pollution is recognized as a significant risk factor for both heart disease and cancer, this study aimed to show its impact in cardio-oncology or the overlap of both conditions – an area in which there is much research. Little research has been done.
Deaths due to air pollution are estimated to be approximately 100 times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries.More than 65 percent of all cancer deaths and more than 70 percent of all heart disease deaths are seen in LMICs, the study authors said.
Environmental factors are important for understanding cardio-oncology risk and patient management, Rao said, and the findings may help identify people more susceptible to risk.
"This awareness is important for developing air pollution exposure control measures and personalized patient management strategies aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients," Rao said.
The authors also outlined possible interventions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of air pollution exposure, including recommendations for society and governments.
The research reviewed eight papers published between 2000 and 2023 that studied the direct effects of air pollution on cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke, and cancer. More than 1.1 crore participants were included in the review.
The researchers found that exposure to fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution weakened the body's defenses against detoxification and inflammation, which are common risk factors for both cancer and heart disease.
"Air pollution plays an undeniable role in the field of cardio-oncology," the authors, including those from China's Huazhong University of Science and Technology, wrote.
According to researchers, even short-term exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution can rapidly impact the heart health of cancer patients.The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Cardiooncology.
"This suggests that even temporary declines in air quality can have immediate adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as cardio-oncology patients," said senior author Xiaoquan Rao, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
The researchers said air pollution also increases health disparities around the world because disadvantaged populations are exposed to higher levels and cancer patients among them are at greater risk of heart disease and death than the general public.
According to the authors, while air pollution is recognized as a significant risk factor for both heart disease and cancer, this study aimed to show its impact in cardio-oncology or the overlap of both conditions – an area in which there is much research. Little research has been done.
Deaths due to air pollution are estimated to be approximately 100 times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries.More than 65 percent of all cancer deaths and more than 70 percent of all heart disease deaths are seen in LMICs, the study authors said.
Environmental factors are important for understanding cardio-oncology risk and patient management, Rao said, and the findings may help identify people more susceptible to risk.
"This awareness is important for developing air pollution exposure control measures and personalized patient management strategies aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients," Rao said.
The authors also outlined possible interventions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of air pollution exposure, including recommendations for society and governments.