Pollution - A modifiable risk factor of CV mortality and morbidity

The american heart association has included one more modifiable risk factor contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.researchers have found that fine particulate matter(PM2.5)has a causal effect on cardiovascular disorders especially IHD.

It is believed that due to the fine particulate matter especially PM2.5 AND PM10,inflammatory responses take place in the lungs,this in turn leads to systemic inflammation .systemic inflammation triggers a host of responses like oxidative stress,platelet and leukocyte activation and endothelial dysfunction.These in turn lead to thrombus formation,atherosclerosis and plaque instability which predisposes to MI.Another mechanism is activation of pulmonary reflexes due to the particulate matter and pollutants in the air which leads to activation of the sympathetic nervous system and in turn cardiac arrhythmia.
Application in nursing practice:
- Since this is modifiable risk factor,it is important to include this aspect in the health teaching of all patients who are at high risk for cardiovascular disorders or who are already diagnosed with one. Emphasize on the importance of avoiding polluted environments as far as possible to the clients with higher risk factors for CV mortality and morbidity.

for further reading refer to links:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4419
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/109/21/2655/FIG2
http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/286/2/H479