Air pollution raises blood pressure
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UPI) -- Ohio State University Medical Center researchers say there is a direct link between air pollution and its impact on high blood pressure, or hypertension. The researchers exposed rats to levels of airborne pollutants humans breathe everyday, noting the levels were still considerably below those found in developing countries such as China and India, and in some parts of the United States. The researchers found that exposure to air pollution, over a 10-week period, elevates blood pressure in those already predisposed to the condition. "We now have even more compelling evidence of the strong relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease," or co-author Sanjay Rajagopalan said in a statement. "Recent observational studies in humans suggest that within hours to days following exposure, blood pressure increases." The results are published online ahead of print in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International
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