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Relatively compelling data link airborne fine particulate matter to myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. The association of fine particulate matter with sudden cardiac death (SCD) is less consistent, and that of ozone with SCD is nonexistent. To find out more, investigators conducted a case-crossover analysis of hourly recordings of air pollution levels and SCD events in Houston during an 8-year period.
A total of 11,677 individuals experienced SCD events. An increase of 6 μg/m3 in particulate matter less than 2.5 μg in diameter in the 2 days before cardiac arrest significantly increased the risk for SCD (relative risk, 1.046). An increase of 20 parts per billion in ozone on the day of cardiac arrest also significantly increased…