Heart Rate Variability & Ultrafine Particle Exposures

May 15, 2008

Over the last ten years, many epidemiological studies have assessed changes in cardiac morbidity and mortality based on exposures to ambient to particles (Dockery et al., 1993, Schwartz, 1994; Samet et al., 2000; Peters et al., 1999). Exposure to particles of aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm and <10 µm have earned considerable attention as elevated levels have been associated with lung function decrement (Gauderman et al., 1999) and changes in HRV (Pope et al., 1999). In addition, fine and coarse particles have been shown to produce adverse effects in susceptible populations, including asthmatics (Vedal et al., 1998), the elderly (Gold et al., 1999; Pope et al., 2004), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) patients (Peters, 2000).

Authors / Editors:: Timothy Mcauley
Industry Type:: Health and Safety
Print ISSN:: 9783639015447
Launch:: May 2008

Seaton et al (1995), described targeting UFP, diameter <.1 µm, as having the ability to create alveolar inflammation, exacerbate lung disease and increase blood coagulability (Seaton et al., 1995). Overall, these particles contribute very little to the total mass of PM, but they contribute to high number concentrations. Because of their small size, UFPs are able to penetrate and deposit via Brownian diffusion into the small airways (i.e. alveolar regions), and accumulate and under high exposure conditions potentially accumulate to high delivered concentrations. In addition, UFPs have the ability to cross the alveolar membranes, and directly influence the cardiovascular system, blood components, and lung receptor vitality (Nemmer et al., 2002). UFPs along with soluble constituents of PM2.5 (e.g. transition metals) may result in increased oxidation and inflammatory mechanisms within the lung and/or throughout the peripheral and systemic circulation. Because of their high surface area and numbers, there is additional evidence of the effects of UFP on changes in autonomic tone, which could contribute to vascular plaque instability leading to an increased risk of arrhythmias (Brooke et al., 2004).

Elevated exposures to UFP can result in damage to the alveoli resulting from chronic alveolar inflammation leading to decreased lung function, one of the major factors behind the development of adolescent non-atopic asthma. This condition is typically irreversible (Gauderman et al., 2004). Elderly and COPD patients are at a high risk for coronary heart disease (ischemia-decreased blood flow to the heart) and hypertension during episodes of elevated PM (Pope, 1999). Because PM exposure can trigger changes in pulmonary endothelial cells, (e.g. decreased endothelin-derived relaxation factor, such as nitric oxide (NO)), arterial constriction can occur through platelet aggregation and adhesion.

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