A study presented at the ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024 congress of the European Society of Cardiology has found a link between air pollution, stress, and depression, putting individuals under 65 years old at an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The lead author, Dr. Shady Abohashem from Harvard Medical School, stated that the air we breathe can impact our mental well-being, which in turn affects heart health. This research is significant as the World Health Organization estimates that air pollution caused 4.2 million premature deaths globally in 2019, and mental illness has also been associated with premature mortality.
The study focused on fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, known as PM2.5, which come from sources like vehicle exhaust, power plant combustion, and burning wood, posing a high health risk. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 US counties, representing over 315 million residents, to examine the relationship between air pollution, poor mental health, and premature death from cardiovascular disease. They looked at county-level PM2.5 levels, data on mental health issues experienced by residents, and premature cardiovascular mortality rates, adjusting for various factors that could influence the relationships.
Results showed that counties with high PM2.5 concentrations were 10% more likely to report high levels of poor mental health days, especially in areas with a high prevalence of minority groups or poverty. The association between poor mental health and premature cardiovascular mortality was strongest in counties with higher levels of air pollution, above WHO-recommended levels. In these areas, higher levels of poor mental health were linked to a three-fold increase in premature cardiovascular mortality compared to lower levels, with one-third of pollution-related premature deaths attributable to increased burden of poor mental health.
Dr. Abohashem emphasized the dual threat posed by air pollution, as it not only worsens mental health but also significantly amplifies the risk of heart-related deaths associated with poor mental health. This highlights the need for public health strategies to address both air quality and mental well-being in order to preserve cardiovascular health. The study underscores the importance of addressing the impact of air pollution on mental health and its subsequent effects on heart health in order to implement effective strategies for prevention and intervention. The findings provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of environmental and mental health issues on overall well-being and mortality rates, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to address these complex challenges.
