The Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Office, Home, and 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements

Background Air pollution has recently been linked to a number of cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension (HT). In our study, we aimed to evaluate the association between air pollution and blood pressure (BP) and compare the relationship of BP measurement results obtained using different methods (office, home, and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring [ABPM]). Methods This retrospective nested panel study performed with prospective Cappadocia cohort data investigated the relationships between particulate matter (PM) 10 and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and concurrent home, office, and 24-hour ABPM data at each control performed over a 2-year period. Results A total of 327 patients in the Cappadocia cohort were included in this study. On the day of office blood pressure measurement, there was an increase of 1.36 mm Hg in systolic BP and 1.18 mm Hg in diastolic BP for every 10 mu m/m(3) rise in SO2 values. A mean 3-day 10 mu m/m(3) increase in SO2 was linked to an increase of 1.60 mm Hg in systolic BP and 1.33 mm Hg in diastolic BP. A 10 mu m/m(3) rise in mean SO2 on the day of 24-hour ABPM measurement was found to be associated with an increase of 1.3 mm Hg in systolic BP and 0.8 mm Hg in diastolic BP. SO2 and PM 10 had no effect on home measurements. Conclusion In conclusion, increased SO2 levels, during winter months in particular, can be associated with an elevation in office BP values. Our study findings show that air pollution in the setting in which BP is measured may be associated with the results.

Automated summary

This study found a link between air pollution and blood pressure (BP), especially hypertension. Results also showed differences in BP measurement results obtained using different methods. For every 10 μg/m3 rise in sulfur dioxide (SO2) values, there was an increase in systolic BP and diastolic BP. However, SO2 and PM10 had no effect on home measurements.