A study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased adverse events in Medicare beneficiaries with preexisting heart failure (HF). The research revealed that even low levels of PM2.5 exposure, below the air quality standard threshold of 12 µg/m3, were associated with heightened risks of all-cause death, HF hospitalizations, and readmissions. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million Medicare patients aged 65 and older, with findings showing that patients younger than 75, Asian individuals, and those living in rural areas were more vulnerable to the harmful effects of PM2.5.

The study’s models demonstrated that higher PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of mortality and hospitalizations, with those in higher exposure tertiles showing a greater risk compared to those in the lowest tertile. The results also highlighted a significant increase in overall HF readmission burden and all-cause readmission burden as PM2.5 exposure increased. The researchers concluded that PM2.5 exposure disproportionately affects patients in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods, contributing to disparities in HF outcomes.

Reference: Jenkins C. Air pollution exposure linked to higher risk for adverse outcomes among patients with HF. Healio. Published August 10, 2024. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20240809/air-pollution-exposure-linked-to-higher-risk-for-adverse-outcomes-among-patients-with-hf