New research has "substantially strengthened" the link between air pollution and an increased incidence of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Scientists updating the group’s initial statement on air pollution now say that exposure to fine particulate matter over a few hours or weeks can trigger cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and irregular heartbeats, especially in susceptible individuals. People at the highest risk of air pollution complications include the elderly, those with existing heart diseases, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease, and those with diabetes.

"The foremost message for these high-risk groups remains that they should work to control their modifiable traditional risk factors—blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking," said Robert Brook, M.D., lead author of the statement.

Sources of the particulate matter pollution include fossil fuel combustion from industry, traffic and power generation, as well as biomass burning, heating, cooking, indoor activities and forest fires.

In addition to increased cardiovascular risks, researchers say long-term exposure to elevated concentrations of air pollution may reduce life expectancy by several months to a few years.

"People can limit their exposure as much as possible by decreasing their time outside when particle levels are high and reducing time spent in traffic—a common source of exposure in today’s world," said Brook.

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