A systematic review study conducted by the Mainz University Medical Center in collaboration with an international research group shows that, in addition to individual risk factors such as high blood pressure and lack of exercise, external environmental pollution is also decisive for the development and progression of heart failure. The results were published in the current issue of the journal Nature Reviews Cardiology.

Worldwide, more than 64 million people suffer from heart failure, and in Germany there are over four million people affected. Despite modern therapies, the prognosis remains unfavorable: Around half of patients die within six years of diagnosis. Until now, the focus of prevention has been primarily on individual factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and genetic predispositions.

The study, entitled “The environmental exposome in heart failure risk and progression”, examines the exposome, i.e. the totality of all environmental and living conditions to which a person is exposed throughout his life. Led by Dr. Omar Hahad from the Center for Cardiology at the Mainz University Medical Center, the team, which included participants from the USA, including Harvard Medical School, Yale School of Medicine and Columbia University, analyzed numerous studies on individual loads.

These include particulate matter, traffic and aircraft noise, extreme temperatures, artificial night light and toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. These factors do not act in isolation, but simultaneously, long-term and often already in the early stages of life. They lead to a cumulative burden at the population level.

In particular, people with low socioeconomic status are more exposed, as they are more likely to live in areas with poor air quality, high noise and little green space. In addition, they often have limited access to preventive measures, which increases mortality.

The researchers recommend holistic prevention that goes beyond medical approaches and includes measures to protect against air pollution, noise and heat.

Original Paper:

The environmental exposome in heart failure risk and progression | Nature Reviews Cardiology

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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